CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government and the Barbados Workers’ Union on the manner in which wages are determined through collective bargaining, and notes that both state that wage rates are fixed without distinctions based on sex. With respect to job evaluation exercises, the Barbados Workers’ Union states that these are usually conducted by professional consultancy bodies, and the main factors used are education, skill, responsibility, accountability and working conditions. Since it is the job that is evaluated and not the individual, gender is not considered in the exercise. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on collective bargaining and job evaluation exercises, and their effect on wage rates.

2. With regard to the tripartite Shops Wages Council, the Committee notes that the Barbados Workers’ Union has three representatives on the Council, which determines wages for this category of workers. The Committee also notes that due to the recommendations of the Council, the Government withdrew provisions that provided for a distinction in the minimum wage based on age. The Committee asks the Government to supply further information on the activities undertaken by the tripartite Shops Wages Council, in particular any measures taken with a view to reducing the remuneration gap between men and women for work of equal value.

3. The Committee notes the information regarding the Bureau of Gender Affairs, attached to the Government’s report under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111). The Committee notes, however, that the information does not relate to the promotion of the principle of equal remuneration. In this context the Committee reiterates its previous request for information on specific activities carried out to reduce the remuneration gap between men and women in the performance of work of equal value.

4. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government on the number of regular sugar workers (in the field and factories) for the years 2000–02. The Committee notes that, according to these statistics, the number of female workers decreased significantly during that period. The Committee regrets however, that the statistics do not contain any information on the various wage categories in the plantation sector, and therefore reiterates its request for updated statistical data, not only with regard to the number of men and women working in the plantation sector but also taking into account the different wage categories.

5. The Committee regrets that the Government’s report does not provide any information on the question relating to women’s level of participation in highly remunerated jobs, which is about half that of men. It, therefore, reiterates its request for statistical data on remuneration levels disaggregated by sex, and asks the Government to report on the measures taken to promote and facilitate access by women to positions offering higher levels of remuneration.

6. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that other than in shops, the principle of equal pay for work of equal value is enforced and supervised through collective agreements and management organizations. The Committee requests more detailed information regarding how, in practice, such supervision and enforcement is ensured and carried out, and asks the Government to specify whether the public authorities have any role in this regard in places of employment other than shops.