May 1 is International Workers’ Day. The Public Defender is using this opportunity to once again draw attention to problems with regards to realization of labour rights which needs immediate resolution on the part of the state.

Despite positive changes introduced into the Labour Code in Summer 213, their certain part is not appropriately implemented in practice. Despite the expectation, the second wave of the announced labour code reform with regards to improvement of women’s labour rights has been suspended.

Especially alarming is the situation that exists in the county with regards to labour health and safety – every year, the number of those whose life and health suffers from working in precarious work conditions. According to data at the disposal of the Public Defender, in 2013, during conduction of their professional obligations,s 11 individuals were damaged and 23 died, while in 2014, 72 received injuries and 46 died.

Back in 2013, the Public Defender of Georgia addressed the Government of Georgia with a recommendation in order to start working in the direction of ensuring safe and healthy environment for the employed aimed at ratification of various international agreements and labour inspection. Unfortunately, this recommendation has not been fulfilled so far. Though the Georgian Government approved the State Monitoring Programme on Labour Conditions this mechanism has series of shortcomings. These include:

1) Examination of only those employers is stipulated in the programme that themselves express this wish. 2) Results of the examination are not public; 3) recommendations are issued to relevant violations and their conduction is not voluntary.

2) We express hope that the Parliament of Georgia and the Government of Georgia will work in order for the right of every citizen to safe labour is realized in the shortest period possible.