CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the attached information.

1. The Committee notes that the Employment Act, 2000, repeals the Regulation of Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act (Cap. 55:01). It notes that, in accordance with section 54 of the Employment Act, minimum wages may, in consultation with the social partners, be adopted for any group of workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on whether any minimum wages have been adopted for any specific groups of workers, and particularly on whether minimum wages have been adopted for the agricultural industry, which would help to eradicate the wage disparities in the agricultural industry referred to in the Committee’s earlier comments and thus ensure the improved application of the principle of equal pay for men and women workers for work of equal value.

2. The Committee notes that under sections 8 20 of the Employment Act, 2000, the Labour Commissioner and labour officers shall ensure the implementation of the Act. It therefore asks the Government to provide information with its next report on the activities carried out and methods used by labour officers to ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value. 

3. The Committee notes the information contained in the Revision of salaries and wages in the civil service of 13 October 2000. Since the pay scales do not make any distinction on the basis of sex, it points out once again that, in order to permit an adequate assessment of the promotion of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in the public service, the Committee would need statistical data on the distribution of men and women in the public sector by earnings level and classified by occupation or occupational group, or level of education/qualification, seniority and age. The Committee therefore once again asks the Government to provide the above statistical data with its next report.

4. The Committee notes the National Gender Policy, 2000-05, adopted in March 2000 by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Community Services. It notes the promotional measures envisaged to facilitate the access of women to education and vocational training. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the promotional measures carried out in this field, and particularly on their results.

5. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that objective job appraisals are carried out in different ways, such as through collective agreements, legally established or organized machinery in the organizations and/or a combination of these various means. It asks the Government to provide copies with its next report of objective job appraisals that have been carried out.