CMNT_TITLE

Article 3, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Methods for fixing and adjusting the minimum wage. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, the guaranteed interoccupational minimum wage (SMIG) was last reviewed in 1994 and is set at 36,607 CFA francs per month (approximately US$71). The current SMIG rate is based on a 10 per cent increase, initially negotiated by collective agreement for the industrial sector and subsequently extended to other sectors of activity, such as forestry and agriculture, by means of a ministerial circular. The Committee also notes that, according to the Government’s report, no decree has as yet been issued under section 31.6 of the Labour Code, which means that the minimum wage-fixing mechanism and its tripartite consultative body, the Labour Advisory Committee, are currently not in operation. Whilst noting the Government’s intention to undertake a comprehensive review of the Labour Code within the framework of a social forum, the Committee would like to recall that the minimum wage system risks being of little benefit if minimum wage rates are not periodically revised in line with socio-economic developments. Noting that the minimum wage rates have not been adjusted for 12 years and that, consequently, they may no longer guarantee a decent standard of living for workers and their families, the Committee invites the Government to take an interest in minimum wage levels and to do its utmost to ensure that any possible increase takes due account of the needs of workers and their families, for example, by maintaining their purchasing power with regard to a basket of essential consumer goods. The Committee also requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments regarding the revision of the Labour Code.

Article 3, paragraph 2(3). Different minimum wage rates based on age. The Committee notes the Government’s statement according to which, in practice, young workers paid on a time basis who perform their work under the same output and quality conditions as an adult worker, receive a wage equal to that of an adult worker. Recalling that, under section 49 of the interoccupational collective agreement of 1977, workers aged under 18 years who are paid on a time basis receive minimum wages ranging from 60 per cent of the minimum wage of adult workers for 14-15 year-olds to 90 per cent for 17-18 year-olds, the Committee asks the Government to specify the measures taken or envisaged to amend this provision and bring its legislation into line with national practice.

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that inspection visits are carried out despite limited means and the country’s ongoing political-military crisis. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to provide, in its future reports, concrete information on the monitoring of the application of the minimum wage rate and the results obtained, the number of workers covered by the current SMIG rate, and any other information relating to the practical application of the Convention in the country.