Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 6:HOW TO RATIFY & USE ILO CONVENTION NO. 184ON SAFETY & HEALTH IN AGRICULTUREIf the committee finds that a government is not fully applying a ratifiedConvention, it can formulate either: a “direct request”, usually made in the case of minor failures; an “observation” -- usually used for more serious or long--standingoffences.Each year, the Committee of Experts then publishes a report entitled the“Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions andRecommendations”, which is examined during the International LabourConference by the Tripartite Committee on the Application of Conventionsand Recommendations. Many problems concerning individual cases canbe sorted out at this forum, and it is here that trade union representativescan play what is perhaps their major role.Another stage of the reporting process is a general survey on a special topicdecided by the Governing Body, and describing the situation in all thecountries whether they have ratified the Conventions concerned or not.This survey is based on information received from members according toArticles 19 (5)(c) and (6)(d) of the ILO Constitution.RepresentationsAny trade union -- national or international -- can make a representation tothe ILO to the effect that a member State has violated a particular ratifiedConvention. Representations are receivable by the Governing Body if theyare presented by: a national union directly interested in the matter; an international workers’ organization having consultative status withthe ILO; or an international federation where the allegations relate to mattersdirectly affecting its affiliates.The submission must be in writing, signed, and be as fully documented aspossible with proofs in support of the allegations.The representation is examined by a committee of three members of theGoverning Body, one from each of the three groups. The Governing Bodypresents the representation to the government concerned. If the GoverningBody is not satisfied with their response, or if no reply is forthcoming, thenthe Governing Body publishes the representation along with thegovernment’s reply, if any, and its own conclusions concerning furtheraction.ComplaintsMaking a complaint to the ILO is a more formal procedure and can betaken by one member State against another if the former is not satisfiedthat the latter is observing a Convention they have both ratified. Acomplaint can also come from the Governing Body on its own, or from adelegate to the International Labour Conference.316 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers