CMNT_TITLE

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Work of equal value. The Committee notes with interest that, under section 10(2)(g) of the new Labour Code (Act No. 154-XV of 23 March 2003), the employer is obliged to provide equal payment for work of equal value. However, the Committee also notes that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value has not been in included in section 5, which establishes "basic principles of labour relation regulation". The Committee asks the Government to:

(a)  clarify whether the term "payment" used in section 10(2)(b) covers all elements of remuneration as defined in Article 1(a) of the Convention;

(b)  provide information on whether any measures exist, in law or in practice, to ensure that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value is taken into account in the context of collective bargaining; and

(c)  provide information on the application of section 10(2)(g) of the Labour Code in practice, including any measures taken to raise awareness among employers of its implications.

2. Article 4. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes that the new Labour Code provides for a social partnership in the field of labour. It asks the Government to provide information on any activities or initiatives carried out or envisaged within the framework of social partnership with the purpose of promoting the application of the Convention.

3. Part III of the report form. Enforcement. The Committee notes that, between 2002 and June 2004, the labour inspectorate did not detect any situation involving unequal remuneration of men and women. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on relevant activities and decisions of the bodies competent to enforce the equal remuneration provisions of the labour legislation. Please also indicate the methods used by the labour inspectors to undertake inspection to monitor compliance with the employer’s obligation to ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value.

4. Part V of the report form. Statistical information. The Committee asks the Government to provide statistical information on the levels of remuneration of men and women in the various sectors, economic activities and occupational groups.