Subsection 2: Agency committee.

The Agency Committee is made up of three colleges, each of which represents categories of staff other than those represented on the Medical Committee, i.e. : 1° Management staff ; 2° Qualified staff ; 3° Agency operational staff. The three colleges mentioned above are represented by a number of seats equal to that of the Medical Commission. The agency’s internal regulations allocate the categories of staff to the three colleges….

The appointment to the agency committee of the representatives of the categories of staff is the subject of an agreement between the representative trade union organisations concerned. In the event that such agreement cannot be reached, the head of the labour inspection department, on receipt of a referral from the trade unions concerned or from the agency director, shall make the appointment. The decision of the head of the labour…

The Chairman of the Committee does not vote. He may, in his capacity as Director of the Agency, be assisted by one or more members of his staff, who may not vote. When the agenda includes issues relating to health, safety and working conditions, the Agency’s doctor responsible for occupational medicine attends the meeting in an advisory capacity. The Committee elects a secretary from among its members.

Committee meetings are convened by the Chairman, either on his own initiative or at the written request of at least half of the permanent employee representatives. In the latter case, the committee must be convened within one month.

The agenda is set by the Chairman. In particular, the agenda must include matters falling within the remit of the committee, the examination of which has been requested by at least half of the full employee representatives.

The Agency Committee issues opinions or wishes by a majority of the votes cast. If a vote is taken, it shall be by a show of hands, unless a secret ballot is requested. In the event of a tied vote, the opinion is deemed to have been given or the proposal to have been made.