CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the Government’s report.

Article 3, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee notes Decree No. 3232, of 27 December 2002, determining the national monthly minimum wage rate for workers in all sectors, without distinction as to branch of activity or geographical region. The Committee also notes the Government’s statement that it is currently reactivating the Regional Consultative Committees on Wages and Labour Policies in the various regions of the country (for example, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, Bolivar, Risaralda, Santander and Atlantico) and that these tripartite bodies are intended to discuss and examine socio-labour strategies at the regional level. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments relating to the operation of these consultative bodies relating to the minimum wage at both the national and regional levels. With reference to its previous observations, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on developments in the situation in the agriculture and food sector and as regards teachers and on the measures adopted or envisaged to guarantee the application of minimum wage provisions throughout the national territory and in all sectors of activity.

Article 4, paragraph 1, and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes Decree No. 205, of 3 February 2003, determining the functions of the Labour Inspection, Supervision and Control Unit in the new Ministry of Social Protection. The Committee notes that the functions of this body will include directing, coordinating, developing and evaluating inspection, prevention, supervision and control activities throughout the national territory with a view to ensuring compliance with labour provisions in both the public and private sectors. The Committee also notes the statistical table on the inspections carried out during the period 2000-02. In this respect the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the enforcement machinery (such as the inspections carried out, the violations reported, sanctions imposed, etc.) in the various branches of activity, including the agricultural sector. The Committee also requests the Government to provide general information on the application of the Convention in practice, including: (i) changes in minimum wage rates over recent years; (ii) statistical data on the number and various categories of workers covered by minimum wage regulations; and (iii) official studies on issues relating to minimum wages.