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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to its previous direct request.

1. The Committee notes that section 14 of the Constitution of Malta (as amended by Act No. XIX of 1991) provides, inter alia, for women workers to enjoy equal rights and the "same wages for the same work as men". The Committee draws the attention of the Government to its 1990 General Observation, where it emphasised the importance of including in national legislation, a definition of equal pay which is consistent with that of the Convention. Accordingly, the Committee hopes that the Government will consider taking measures to ensure that all legal provisions designed to protect women against discrimination in respect of remuneration give expression to the principle of equal pay for "work of equal value". The Committee hopes in particular, that during the revision of the Conditions of Employment (Regulation) Act, 1952, the Government will take the opportunity to proscribe wage discrimination not only in respect of the same work but also in respect of work of equal value, as required by the Convention.

2. The Committee notes from the report that the wage structure in the public service has apparently been reviewed recently, pursuant to the recommendations of a Public Service Re-organisation Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the wage scales applicable to public sector employees, together with an indication of the percentage of women and men occupying posts at different levels.

3. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee requests the Government to supply copies of collective agreements fixing wage rates for a range of industries, indicating if possible both the number of women covered by these agreements and providing information on the percentage of women and men holding posts at different levels.

4. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would furnish statistics showing the average earnings of women and men, if possible by occupation, industry, seniority and level of training as well as information on the labour force participation of women.

5. Referring to paragraphs 5 and 6 of its previous direct request, the Committee requests the Government to: (i) indicate the methods adopted to promote an objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed; and (ii) to indicate the specific means taken, in cooperation with the employers' and workers' organisations, to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.