Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - St Helena

Article 4 of the Convention. Legislative measures to promote collective bargaining in the private sector. In its previous comments, the Committee observed that the Employment Rights Ordinance did not contain specific provisions regulating collective bargaining and requested the Government to promote collective bargaining in the private sector. The Committee notes with regret that the Government limits itself to stating that no progress has been made in this regard. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government take concrete steps to promote collective bargaining in the private sector in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention and provide information on any developments in this regard.

Articles 4 and 6. Collective bargaining in the public sector. Civil servants not engaged in the administration of the State. The Committee previously noted that the St Helena Public Service Leadership Team met the St Helena Public Service Employment Rights Committee (SHPSERC) every quarter to discuss issues related to the terms and conditions of public servants in a Partnership Forum, and that improvements to policies have been successfully negotiated. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the SHPSERC continues to function and has been consulted on issues such as disciplinary, capability, grievance, probation, reward and retirement policies, as well as minimum wage and annual leave proposals. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the processes and outcomes of collective bargaining in the public sector.

Promotion of collective bargaining in practice. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that no further progress has been made regarding the promotion of collective bargaining in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the steps taken to promote collective bargaining in the different sectors of the economy. It also reiterates its request that the Government provide statistics on the number of collective agreements concluded and in force, the sectors concerned and the number of workers covered by these agreements.