CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report and attached documentation in reply to its previous direct request.

1. The Committee notes that Act No. 244 of 19 April 1990 revises the Equal Treatment Act 1978 by (i) consolidating into a single Act the legislation on maternity leave (Consolidation Act No. 101 of 6 March 1987) and the legislation on equal treatment of men and women in employment (Consolidation Act No. 572 of 28 August 1986); (ii) strengthening the position of the Equal Opportunities Council by empowering the Council to examine, on request or at its own initiative, all matters falling under the Equal Treatment Act. The Committee also notes that, pursuant to Act No. 157 of April 1985 on equality between men and women in connection with the appointment of members to public committees, Act No. 427 of 13 June 1990 has been enacted to ensure equality between men and women in connection with appointments in certain boards in state administration authorities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information concerning measures taken pursuant to these various enactments. It also requests the Government to provide copies of the legislation referred to by the Government concerning protection against dismissal due to organisational measures (Act No. 285 of 9 June 1989 and the amending Act No. 347 of 29 May 1990).

2. The Committee notes that the Equal Opportunities Council gave high priority in 1989 to projects concerning women and management, women at work, equal opportunities in primary schools and men's role in the equality process, and, in this connection, produced books, brochures and videos to better disseminate information on equality. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken by the Council to promote equality, together with details on any evaluation done of its programmes. It also requests the Government to provide information on any measures to further implement the National Action Plan for Equality, including in particular the report to be submitted to Parliament concerning the implementation of equality by the ministries for 1987-90.

3. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the measures available to private sector workers who allege discrimination on the basis of race, which include the right to bring proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code. The Committee notes, however, that collective agreements are considered the most effective means of ensuring compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, as concerns race or other grounds, and that workers who consider that their rights under collective agreements have been violated may bring action before the Industrial Court. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific provision is made in collective agreements to protect against discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of race, national extraction, political opinion or social origin.

4. Information provided by the Government concerning equal pay for men and women will be considered by the Committee under Convention No. 100.