Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149) - Zambia (Ratification: 1980)

Article 1, paragraph 3, of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes from the Government's reply that voluntary nursing personnel work only on specific development projects, and that the nurses have normal nursing training and have to meet the requirements prescribed in job descriptions for such posts. Their working and employment conditions are covered by employment contracts and their monthly living allowances are agreed between the Government supplying such voluntary staff and the Government of Zambia.

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the application of Article 5, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

Article 6(a), (b) and (d). The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government on shift work, overtime and inconvenient hours, weekly rest and educational leave. It also notes that the administrative regulations prescribing 40 hours work per week for the civil service are applicable to nursing personnel in the public service. The Government is therefore invited to indicate the legal texts governing these matters, and a copy of the 1988 collective agreement concluded between the Government and the four civil servants' organisations. Please supply also copies of relevant collective agreements covering, in particular, the conditions of work of nursing personnel in the private sector as set out in paragraphs (a) hours of work; (b) weekly rest; and (d) educational leave.

Article 7. The Committee notes that there have been no developments relating to this Article. It hopes nevertheless that appropriate measures will be taken to improve and adjust existing laws and regulations on occupational health and safety to ensure the effective protection of nursing personnel, inter alia, against risk of accidental exposure to the AIDS virus.

The Committee notes the information provided under point V of the report form. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide this kind of information.