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The Committee takes note of the detailed information supplied by the Government in its report. The Committee also notes the comments by the Mauritius Employers’ Federation (MEF) according to which national law provides for the setting up of minimum wages in different sectors, industries or categories of employees.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention.  The Committee recalls its previous comments in which it noted that the Industrial Relations Act, 1973, does not provide for the participation on an equal footing of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery. In its reply, the Government indicates that in the context of a revision of the Industrial Relations Act, a draft labour relations bill is being examined taking into account the Committee’s recommendations. The Committee invites the Government to consider availing itself of the assistance of the Office in elaborating the draft amendments regarding the association of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery. It asks the Government to supply a copy of the new legislation as soon as it is adopted.

The minimum wage for female workers and young workers.  With reference to its previous comments to the effect that fixing different minimum wage rates on the basis of sex or age is not consistent with the spirit of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations has requested the technical assistance of the Office with a view to enabling the National Remuneration Board to establish minimum wage-fixing criteria based on objective factors such as the quantity and quality of the work performed. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Board has informed the Ministry that it is unable to carry out such exercise for lack of the necessary expertise and that the services of a qualified and experienced consultant would be needed to assist in this assignment. The Committee trusts that the Government can confidently draw upon the International Labour Office for expert advice and technical cooperation, and that the necessary amendments will be adopted in a timely fashion so as to bring national legislation into full compliance with the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any progress achieved in this regard.