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The Committee notes with interest the Government's reports of January and November 1989.

1. The Committee notes the detailed information communicated on the work of the Higher Council for Occupational Equality aimed at promoting equality between men and women. It notes in particular, from the first two analyses of the results obtained under the Occupational Equality Act (No. 83-635 of 13 July 1983) that there has been a reduction in the difference between the salaries of men and women in private and semi-public undertakings (from 38 per cent in 1969 to 24 per cent in 1985). It also notes the reports of the working groups which the Council has established on different subjects, and the recommendations they have made for future action. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide such information in its future reports, and in particular that it will indicate the progress achieved in implementing the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

2. The Committee notes the information communicated in the report on the inclusion in collective agreements of the principle of occupational equality. It notes that there has been some progress in this respect since 1983; however, a significant number of the agreements adopted in recent years have not included a clause on equal remuneration, nor a clause on occupational equality more generally. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information in its future reports on further developments in this respect.

3. The Committee notes the conclusions of the working group responsible for determining how best to use the annual reports prepared in undertakings on the comparative situation of men and women. It notes that a significant proportion of these reports do not include all the required information, making it difficult to assess the situation on a global basis. Please indicate in the next report what measures have been taken as a result of these recommendations, any measures taken to make these reports more comprehensive, and whether any improvement in their quality has been noted.

4. The Committee notes the information supplied with the report on the positive measures adopted as a result of negotiations betweens employers and workers for the adoption of plans to promote occupational equality for men and women. Please continue to provide such information with future reports.

5. The Committee notes the information in the report concerning procedures and the burden of proof in disputes involving the principle of equal remuneration. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any decisions which may be taken by courts in this regard.