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Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It also notes the discussion that took place at the 87th Session of the International Labour Conference (June 1999).

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee recalls that the Government shelved its plan to increase minimum wages as part of the structural adjustment plan imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Recalling the principles set forth in its General Survey of 1992 on minimum wages, the Committee requested the Government to report on progress in updating minimum wage rates. The Government was also asked to provide information on measures adopted to ensure the participation of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in wage-fixing decisions. It referred in particular to the case of the Trade Union Confederation of Chad (CST). The Government indicated during the discussion at the Conference that, in 1995, despite the structural adjustment measures imposed and the original decision to freeze minimum wages, it did fix and enforce the guaranteed inter-occupational minimum wage (SMIG) which had been established previously in order to preserve social peace. It also stated that the SMIG was discussed by the Central Committee for Work and Social Security.

With regard to the CST’s participation in the abovementioned negotiations, the Government recalled that at the time of the negotiations the CST had not been created. However, the Government later included the CST in the draft decree appointing the new members of the Central Committee for Work and Social Security.

The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it emphasized that, in setting minimum wages, it should be borne in mind that they must ensure a satisfactory standard of living for workers and their families, as the Committee stated in its General Survey of 1992 (paragraphs 428 and 429).

Article 4. The Committee recalls that in its previous comment it pointed out that States ratifying this Convention undertake to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the wages paid are not lower than the applicable minimum rate. The Committee notes the statements made by the Government before the Conference and the information contained in its report. It notes that the labour inspectorate is engaged in measures to ensure observance of minimum wage rates. It hopes that the Government will continue to make the necessary effort to ensure that the rates fixed continue to be applied in the private sector. The Committee notes with concern, however, the Government’s statement that in the public sector application of the SMIG continues to be a problem because the State has for some time been struggling with enormous budgetary and financial difficulties due to the structural adjustment measures imposed on it. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps to enforce the minimum wage rates fixed in the public sector.

Article 5 in conjunction with Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report, and urges the Government to continue supplying information on the practical application of the provisions of the Convention, and particularly to provide statistics on the number of workers covered by the minimum wage, extracts from inspection reports indicating the sanctions applied for breach of the fixed minimum wages, etc.