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The Committee takes note of the information contained in the Government’s report.

1.  With regard to its earlier comments regarding the collection of statistics on the jobs in which a large number of women are concentrated and on their remuneration compared to that of men at the different levels, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that, in view of the very limited means available to the services responsible for statistics, it is impossible to supply this information. It also notes that the Government will take steps in future to create the conditions necessary to enable the competent services to collect the required information. The Committee recalls that one of the first difficulties to be overcome in devising methods for application of the principle of equal pay arises from the lack of knowledge of the factual situation, since in most countries inequalities in pay are inadequately researched and identified statistically. Such data is however indispensable in obtaining indications of the breadth, scope and nature of inequalities in practice. Recalling that the Government may request, if need be, the technical assistance of the Office regarding the establishment of statistics, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would transmit the statistical information already currently available, and continue to make efforts to compile statistics in conformity with its 1998 general observation.

2.  Having noted that under section 3 of the draft Labour Code no employer may take gender, in addition to other listed discriminatory criteria, into consideration when taking decisions regarding wages and the extension of social advantages, etc., the Committee asks the Government to send a copy of the above draft to the Office and to continue to supply information on the development of this text and the possible amendments thereto. It hopes that the draft will include the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, thus encouraging application of the Convention.

3.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement to the effect that, although it can supply copies of collective agreements concluded, it is nevertheless not certain that these collective agreements enable identification of the number of women to whom these agreements apply, or the components of remuneration set out therein. It nevertheless wishes to be able to examine these agreements and again asks the Government to provide copies of the collective agreements in force to the ILO, as well as an example of the 1987 collective agreement relating to mines, quarries and chemical industries, which has still not been received.

4.  The Committee asks the Government to indicate the means whereby it collaborates with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned as regards the application of the provisions of the Convention.