Introduction

1. The Committee on Freedom of Association, set up by the Governing Body at its 117th Session (November 1951), met at the International Labour Office, Geneva, on 23, 24 and 26 February 1987 under the chairmanship of Mr. Roberto Ago, former Chairman of the Governing Body.

2. The Committee had before it a complaint of infringements of trade union rights in France presented by the Trade Unions International of Textile, Clothing, Leather and Fur Workers (Case No. 1364), as well as a representation made by the General Federation of Labour under article 24 of the Constitution of the ILO, alleging the failure of the Government of France to implement the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) and the Workers' Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135).

3. The Government submitted its observations in communications dated 5 August 1986 and 16 January 1987.