Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Barbados (Ratification: 1974)

Articles 1–3 of the Convention. Legislative protection against discrimination. The Committee had previously noted that the Employment Rights Act 2012, while protecting workers against unfair dismissal on all the grounds enumerated in Article 1(1)(a) and certain additional grounds under Article 1(1)(b) of the Convention, did not ensure full legislative protection against both direct and indirect discrimination for all workers in all aspects of employment and occupation. The Committee previously asked the Government to address the protection gaps in the legislation. The Committee notes that the Government in its report merely restates the constitutional provisions on equality, and the protections afforded by the Employment Rights Act 2012. The Government also maintains that no distinctions, exclusions, or preferences based on the prohibited grounds set out in Article 1(1)(a) or on any additional grounds determined in accordance with Article 1(1)(b) exist in the country, and that no discrimination cases have been reported. Regarding the presumed absence of discrimination, the Committee considers that it is essential to acknowledge that no society is free from discrimination, and that continuous action is required to address discrimination in employment and occupation, which is both universal and constantly evolving (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 731 and 845). Noting that the Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2016 is still in draft form, the Committee urges the Government to take steps, without further delay, to address the protection gaps in the legislation, and to ensure that the anti-discrimination legislation expressly defines and prohibits direct and indirect discrimination in all aspects of employment and occupation, for all workers, and on all the grounds set out in the Convention. The Committee also repeats its request to the Government to provide information on the steps taken to ensure that all workers are being protected in practice against discrimination not only with respect to dismissal but with respect to all aspects of employment and occupation, on the grounds set out in the Convention. Such measures could include public awareness raising aimed at, or in cooperation with, workers and employers and their organizations, or the development of codes of practice or equal employment opportunities guidelines to generate broader understanding on the principles enshrined in the Convention. Noting with regret that for several years the Government has not provided any information on the action taken to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and treatment with respect to race, colour and national extraction, and to eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation on these grounds, the Committee urges the Government to provide such information without delay, including any studies or surveys on the labour market situation of the different groups protected under the Convention.

Article 1(1)(a). Discrimination on the grounds of sex. Sexual harassment. The Committee previously noted the absence in the Employment Rights Act 2012 of provisions protecting workers against sexual harassment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the proposed Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Bill will define and prohibit both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment and provide for a tribunal to hear complaints and determine matters related to sexual harassment. The Committee urges the Government to take steps to ensure that the draft Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Bill is adopted speedily and that it will define and prohibit sexual harassment (both quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment) in all aspects of employment and occupation, and asks that the Government provide a copy of the latest version of the Bill, or as enacted, with its next report.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.