CMNT_TITLE

1.  The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men (Act No. 96/2000), which came into effect on 6 June 2000 and is aimed at establishing and maintaining equal status and equal opportunities for women and men in all spheres of society. Section 14 of the Act specifically provides that women and men who are employed by the same employer shall receive equal pay and enjoy equal terms for comparable work of equal value. The Act defines pay as general remuneration for work done and includes both direct and indirect payments and benefits, which are to be determined in the same manner for women and men and to be based on criteria free from gender discrimination. The Committee notes that in regard to implementation of the Act, the Minister of Social Affairs will have overall responsibility, through an Equal Status Bureau to monitor compliance with the Act. It notes also that the Act establishes a consultative body to submit proposals to improve equality in the labour market and in other spheres - the Equal Status Council - and a Complaints Committee on Equal Status to consider allegations of violation of the Act. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the implementation of Act No. 96/2000, including the work of the Bureau, the Council and the Complaints Committee in promoting equal pay for work of equal value.

2.  The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.