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In its previous observations, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to bring the relevant legislation into conformity with the provisions of Articles 4 and 7, paragraph 2, of the Convention (concerning payment of wages in kind and prices charged in works stores, respectively). It recalls that for many years the Government has been stating its intention to amend the legislation appropriately.

In regard to Article 4, the Committee notes the information to the effect that certain collective agreements, of which copies are attached to the report, provide for the allotment of certain goods such as food products, clothing, or accommodation in addition to wages in cash. The Government adds that in the agricultural sector where total or partial payment of wages in kind was traditionally in force, this practice applies only to short-term hiring due to the seasonal nature of the work and would not concern salaried employees. On this point, the Committee recalls that, by virtue of Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Convention, the Convention applies to all persons to whom wages (as defined in Article 1) are paid or payable. The Convention covers not only workers classed as "salaried employees" but also all those who receive payment, including seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.

In regard to Article 7, paragraph 2, the Government indicates that in national practice the goods in employers' stores are sold at low prices and that the labour inspectorate has found no problem concerning this system.

The Committee notes the above information. It notes that the Government's report contains no information on amendments of the legal provisions as announced previously by the Government. It requests the Government once again to indicate the necessary measures taken in order to bring the relevant legislation into conformity with the aforementioned provisions of the Convention concerning payment of wages in kind and prices charged in the stores or services established by the employer.