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ILO Governing Body 352nd session - Developments in the implementation by the Government of Venezuela of the agreed plan of action to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (Conventions 26, 87 and 144) - EU Statement

04.11.2024
Geneva
Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

ILO Governing Body, 352nd session

28 October – 7 November 2024

Developments in the full implementation by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of the agreed plan of action to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry in respect of Conventions Nos 26, 87 and 144

GB.352/INS/12

EU statement

 

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania*, Ukraine and Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement.

  1. The EU and its Member States are committed to the respect, protection and fulfilment of labour rights. Universal ratification and effective implementation of fundamental ILO Conventions and the ILO’s supervisory mechanism are essential in this endeavour.
  1. We thank the Director-General for the report on the implementation of the action plan addressing the Commission of Inquiry's recommendations on Conventions Nos 26, 87, and 144, as well as for his personal efforts in fostering social dialogue at national level and providing ILO technical assistance.
  1. We deeply regret that Venezuelan authorities have not arranged for the ILO special adviser to attend the plenary and technical meetings of the 4th Social Dialogue Forum in person. Remote support cannot replace the crucial adviser’s physical presence needed for effective assistance in the application of ILO Conventions. We urge the authorities to facilitate the special adviser’s return to Venezuela to ensure continuity and effectiveness of ILO technical support.
  1. We acknowledge that nearly all the meetings outlined in the action plan have taken place, but we recall that it is essential for these meetings to ensure full participation from all social partners. We urge the authorities to accommodate all involved social partners. The implementation of international labour standards that have been ratified by Venezuela depends on meaningful tripartite consultations, achievable only through trust-building and sincere social dialogue.
  1. We recognise the work done in determining the method for setting the minimum wage, but tripartite discussions should be further pursued to ensure compliance with Convention No 26.
  1. We are concerned about the recent communication from the workers’ organisations on the regression concerning all the subjects addressed within the Social Dialogue Forum regarding freedom of association, the method of fixing the minimum wage and tripartite consultations.
  1. We remain deeply concerned about the labour rights situation in Venezuela, particularly regarding Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise. Many trade unionists remain imprisoned for union-related activities. We strongly deplore the recent 30-year prison sentence imposed against union leader Robert Franco and the upholding of the 16-year prison sentence for the formerly released union leaders Gabriel Blanco, Emilio Negrín, Reinaldo Cortes, Néstor Astudillo, Alcides Bracho and Alonso Meléndez, reflecting the worsening repression of labour rights in Venezuela. We are also concerned about the cancellation of Leida Marcela León’s passport, which prevents her from fully exercising her responsibilities as an ILO Governing Body member of the Workers’ Group. We urge the authorities to resolve this matter without delay. We condemn the continued threats faced by trade unions and employers’ organizations and reiterate the need to guarantee their independence, autonomy, and protection.
  1. The independence of the judiciary is crucial. We call for action on pending allegations of violations of civil liberties and trade union rights, and for ensuring fair trials, reparations, and the reinstatement of those proven innocent.
  1. We strongly urge the authorities to fully accept and implement the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, to meaningfully and effectively collaborate with the ILO Office, and re-establish the ILO special adviser’s presence in the country.
  1. The EU and its Member States will remain closely seized of this matter and will engage with the ILO and its constituents as we move forward.
  1. We support the decision point.

Thank you Chair.

*[North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.]