Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Türkiye (Ratification: 1993)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, received in September 2001, which included comments by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK).

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied in reply to previous comments, and the examples provided in its report on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88).

Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes with interest that the number of occupations for which training is offered has increased from 89 in 1999-2000 to 109 in 2000-01. There has also been a steady growth in the number of training centres. However, the number of apprentices dropped by 25 per cent between 1999 and 2001. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on efforts made to encourage people in need of training to take advantage of these expanding services. It also notes the comments of DISK concerning the lack of training programmes to accommodate people with disabilities. In addition, it notes the ratification of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), and hopes that the Government’s first report for this Convention will contain full information on its application, including information on the number of training participants with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes DISK’s allegation that vocational guidance is provided to only a limited number of children and young people. The Committee requests further information on progress made in gradually extending the system of vocational guidance to all children, young persons and adults, including people with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 3, in conjunction with Article 5. In reply to comments made by TÜRK-IŞ in 1998, the Government states that workers receive training on labour law, including collective agreements, which is provided through apprenticeship training centres. Furthermore, if TÜRK-IŞ is unsatisfied with the content of the curriculum, it is able to participate in provincial committees established to coordinate local vocational training activities.

For its part, TÜRK-IŞ repeats its previous comments and adds that workers’ organizations are not actively involved in formulation of policies and programmes of vocational training and the curricula of training institutions. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the manner in which workers’ organizations are encouraged to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, particularly in the light of the newly established Turkish Labour Institute and the restructuring of the employment services, which provide a substantial amount of training.

Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information supplied by TISK concerning a joint project between the Education Foundation of Metal Industrialists’ Union (MESS) and the Turkish Metalworkers’ Union, to ensure that workers are provided with the opportunity to develop their skills and to increase productivity. The group collective agreements contain provisions pertaining to how the unions are to use leave for trade union meetings and educational leave. A similar educational foundation has been established by the Turkish Building and Installation Contractors’ Union. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of such cooperative efforts to develop human resources.