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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to the Committee’s previous comments.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee recalls its previous comments in which it requested the Government to clarify whether lower minimum wages are applied to certain employees’ groups, such as young workers under the age of 18, disabled and part-time employees, by virtue of section 144(6) of the Labour Code which authorizes a departure from the mandatory minimum wage if this appears necessary in the interest of employment. In its reply, the Government has stated that the above provision was drafted as an expedient means of promoting employment at a time of extremely high unemployment in the country, but that the Minister of Labour has not so far made use of its enabling provisions. In this regard, the Committee would be grateful if the Government could indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to re-examine the question of fixing lower minimum wage rates for groups of workers on account of their age or disabilities, for example, by amending the national legislation in this respect, or alternatively taking all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the overriding principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and strict adherence to objective criteria such as the quantity and quality of the work performed.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Interest Reconciliation Council ceased to exist in 1999 and has since been replaced by the National Labour Council (NLC), which is also a consultative body with tripartite composition. The Committee would appreciate if the Government could provide additional information on the powers and functions of the Council, especially with respect to the process of consultations and the equal representation of the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that workers are informed of the minimum wage rates in force through various sources, such as technical publications regarding wages or the web site of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, but also by means of notices posted at the workplace. In this connection, the Committee would be grateful if the Government could specify whether the posting of notices containing information on applicable minimum wage rates is prescribed by national laws or regulations and, if so, transmit a copy of the relevant text(s).

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the Government’s report concerning the proportion of workers whose basic salary was equal to the minimum wage in the period 1997-2001, the evolution of minimum wage rates in the period 1998-2002, as well as the indication that the national minimum wage is currently set at 50,000 HUF per month or 288 HUF per hour. It also notes the statistical data regarding the number of inspection visits, violations reported and fines imposed during the period 1997-2002 with a view to ensuring compliance with minimum wage legislation. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing all available information on the effect given to the Convention in practice.