COC forms panel to examine issues related to ILO conventions

The Tripartite Committee on Conventions (COC) has decided to constitute a panel to examine issues relating to ratification of conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The decision was taken at the 38th meeting of the COC yesterday. It advices Labour Ministry on issues related to conventions of International Labour Organisation (ILO).
"COC decided to constitute a committee comprising of representatives from Labour Ministry, Department of Personnel and Training and ILO to examine issues relating to ratification of C 87 (convention) regarding freedom of association and protection of rights, C 98 regarding right to organise and collective bargaining," a Labour Ministry statement said.

COC lauded the efforts by Labour Minister relating to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016, which was passed by the Parliament in July 2016.
This Amendment Bill stipulates complete prohibition on employment of children below 14 years and proposes more stringent punishments for violations.
The bill seeks to ensure the right of children to schooling and learning. It also prohibits adolescents in the age group of 14-18 years from employment in hazardous occupations and permits their engagement in only certain segments to be specified in due course.

The COC meet was held under the chairpersonship of Labour Secretary M Sathiyavathi. Representatives of Central Trade Unions, employers' organisations, states, central ministries and ILO participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, Labour Secretary informed the committee that tripartism has been integral to labour policy processes in India. COC has a specific mandate of discussing the progress made so far in ratification of International Labour Standards and recommending the future roadmap.
COC took stock of the progress made in respect of ILO Convention 138 (regarding minimum age for entry to employment and work), 182 (concerning worst forms of child labour), 87 (freedom of association and protection of rights), 98 (right to organise and collective bargaining), 185 (seafarers' identify document), 187 (framework for occupational safety and health), 153 (hours of work and rest periods in road transport), among others.

The committee expressed satisfaction on the progress made regarding conventions 187 and 153 as well as the government's decision to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and Convention 185.