Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) - Iceland (Ratification: 1981)

Effective tripartite consultations. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in September 2009 in reply to its previous observation which commended the approach of the Government and the social partners in providing that effective tripartite consultation be held on measures taken to promote the implementation and ratification, as appropriate, of Conventions and Recommendations. The Committee notes with interest that after detailed studies and having received a letter of clarification from the Office, the Icelandic ILO Committee advised the Government to ratify the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129). Iceland’s ratification of Conventions Nos 81 and 129 were registered in March 2009. Furthermore, the Government indicates that the main conclusion of a September 2007 report concerning termination of employment was that it was not possible to draft guidelines unless it was based on more detailed political policy-making. This issue has not been further discussed within the Icelandic ILO Committee as the main organizations of employers and workers reached an agreement, as part of their collective agreement signed 17 February 2008, on procedures concerning dismissals. The Committee notes that in October 2008, the Icelandic ILO Committee arranged a meeting with all the major stakeholders which could be affected by Iceland’s possible ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, and the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188). Some obstacles were detected concerning possible ratification of these two instruments and the question of ratification is currently studied jointly by the Icelandic ILO Committee, the Ministry of Communication, which is responsible for maritime questions, and the Icelandic Maritime Administration. The Government lastly indicates in its report that the Icelandic ILO Committee has studied the possible ratification of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), and requested the opinion of the Administration on this issue. The main conclusion is that Icelandic legislation does not meet the requirements of the Convention in respect of collecting data on occupational accidents and diseases. However, possibilities for remedying this situation are being studied. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on measures taken to promote tripartite consultations on international labour standards, as required under Convention No. 144.