HL Deb 14 December 2004 vol 667 cc78-9WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise with the International Labour Organisation the Russian Labour Code of 2002 and the current ability of trade union leaders to function in Russia. [HL193]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK delegation to the annual International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference participates fully in the various conference committees, including the Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, which discusses cases of compliance with ILO instruments; and has regularly joined the European Union in expressing criticism in cases of serious violations of workers' rights. The cases endorsed for discussion by the applications committee are traditionally selected by workers and employers' organisations, rather than member states. To date the 2002 Russian Labour Code has not been discussed. Neither are we aware that the issue of trade union leaders in Russia has been discussed at the ILO.