CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s reports and the documents enclosed.

1.  The Committee takes note of Administrative Instruction No. b71/6450 of 4 September 1961 setting forth the principles to be observed by the Wage-Setting Committees in determining minimum wage by occupation in the private sector. It notes that posts are assessed in accordance with the level of responsibility, the skills required and the performance of an average worker, without distinction as to sex. It also notes that the wage levels of state employees are set according to job grade and category, according to academic qualifications, experience and physical fitness. It notes from the copies of the orders concerning the appointment of public employees appended to the report that women are appointed to posts at all levels, as are men. Lastly, the Committee notes from the Agricultural Relations Act, No. 134, of 1958, that in the agricultural sector wages are fixed according to the cost of living, working hours and volume of production.

2.  The Committee notes the Government’s statement that this information indicates that, in the Syrian Arab Republic, wages are fixed according to rules which are free of discrimination between men and women. The Committee notes the importance of sex-neutral wage classifications and wage-fixing methods. It would however draw the Government’s attention to the need to also address any inequalities and disparities that may exist in practice, which often result from a number of factors. Consequently, so that it may properly assess the application in practice of the principle of the Convention in both the private and public sectors, the Committee asks the Government to continue to collect and supply statistical information on the average earnings of men and women and on the proportion of women at the various levels of the labour market, in both the public and the private sector, to facilitate the identification of any disparities that may remain in certain sectors and the determination of their causes.

3.  The Committee notes that the Government’s report provides no answer to point 2 of its previous direct request and asks the Government to indicate the manner in which existing machinery and procedures to promote vocational training for women take account of the high proportion of women in certain jobs and sectors while ensuring equal remuneration for work of equal value for men and women.