Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Ethiopia (Ratification: 1963)

The Committee notes with serious concern the grave allegations of violations of trade union rights brought before the Committee on Freedom of Association in Cases Nos. 1888 and 1908 (see 308th Report of the Committee on Freedom of Association approved by the Governing Body at its 270th Session (November 1997)).

Articles 2 and 10. Noting that section 3(2)(b) of Labour Proclamation No. 42-1993 excludes teachers from its scope of application, the Committee asks the Government to indicate how teachers' associations can promote their occupational interests.

Noting further that a new law to govern employees of state administration, judges, prosecutors and others was expected to be in effect in the near future, the Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any progress made in the adoption of this draft legislation so as to ensure that these categories of employees enjoy the right to establish and join organizations for the promotion of their occupational interests.

Article 3. (Right of workers to elect their representatives). The Committee notes that these cases concern, in particular, the forced removal of elected trade union leaders of the Federation of Commerce, Technical and Printing Industry Trade Unions (FCTP) and of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (ETA). In this regard, the Committee recalls that the removal of trade union leaders and the nomination by the administrative authorities of members of the executive committees of trade unions constitutes a violation of Article 3 of the Convention. Noting that the Government has appealed a judgement rendered by the Court of Ethiopia upholding the claims made by ETA's elected leadership that they represent Ethiopian teachers, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the higher court judgement as soon as it is handed down.

Article 4. The Committee notes with concern that the Ministry of Labour has cancelled the registration of the former Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) and observes that the Federal High Court has confirmed the decision of the Ministry. The Committee requests the Government to send a copy of the Court decision in this matter.