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Article 3 of the Convention. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that, according to the general information supplied by the Government, the content of each job in the sector where agreements are negotiated and the requisite diplomas are determined by the workers and employers of the sector and that it is on this basis that the classification of jobs and the corresponding wages are drawn up, with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security acting as arbitrator. The Committee reminds the Government in this connection that it is important to ensure that in the event of negotiations on the classification of jobs and setting of wages, the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value is taken into account, and to make sure that in determining the value of jobs, the work done largely or exclusively by women is not undervalued in comparison with the work done largely or exclusively by men. The Committee repeats the request it made to the Government in its previous comments to indicate the evaluation methods used where there is collective bargaining to establish a job classification and fix wages, specifying the criteria used by the social partners. It also repeats its request to the Government to provide information on the method or methods it uses in determining the guaranteed interoccupational minimum wage (SMIG).

Article 4. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the measures under way to convince the social partners that the provisions of collective agreements need to be consistent with the principles of the Convention are to be pursued. The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to raise awareness among the social partners of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value.

Differences in remuneration. Labour inspection and supervision of the practical application of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that more than 300 inspection visits are carried out every year in the so‑called “remote” areas and that breaches of the principle of equal remuneration are seldom noted. The Committee recalls that the fact that no breaches are reported does not necessarily mean that there is no wage discrimination, and that such discrimination is often difficult to detect, particularly in the absence of an objective job evaluation method. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to improve training for labour inspectors in combating wage inequalities and to provide them with the necessary tools and resources to identify and remedy wage discrimination. It asks the Government to provide extracts from inspection reports relating to supervision of the provisions of the law that relate to equal remuneration. Lastly, noting that the report supplies no information on the matter, it also asks the Government once again to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to help men and women workers to establish discrimination with respect to remuneration.

Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is still difficult to assess the nature and extent of any wage inequality between men and women since the regulatory framework in force is conducive to observance of wage equality among workers, whether in the private sector or the public service. The Committee points out in this connection that statistics of men’s and women’s remuneration in the private and the public sectors are essential to preventing and combating wage discrimination effectively. It asks the Government to take the necessary steps to have statistics compiled on the level of men’s and of women’s earnings, by sector and by occupation in the private sector and in the public service, allowing a practical assessment of the nature, extent and causes of differentials in remuneration between men and women so that appropriate remedial measures may be devised.

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Article 2, paragraph 2(a), of the Convention. Work of equal value. Legislation. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 61(2) of the Labour Code did not give full effect to the principle of equal remuneration as laid down in the Convention in that equal remuneration is restricted to “equal conditions of work and equal professional ability”. It asked the Government to take the necessary steps to include in the legislation the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. It notes that in its report, the Government affirms that “in accordance with the provisions of section 61(2) of the Labour Code, the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is established”. The Committee refers to its general observation of 2006 and wishes to draw the Government’s attention, once again, to the notion of “work of equal value” which goes further than the notions of “equal conditions of work” and “equal professional ability”. When men and women perform different jobs and when women are confined to certain occupations, in particular because of historical perceptions towards the role of women in society along with stereotypical assumptions regarding their professional abilities, it is essential to compare the value of the work done. This is because although the work may involve different types of qualifications, skills, responsibilities or working conditions it is nevertheless work of equal value overall. In order to determine whether different jobs are of equal value, it is necessary to examine the tasks involved on the basis of criteria that are fully objective and non-discriminatory, taking particular care to ensure that “skills traditionally considered to be female” (such as those required in the caring professions) are not undervalued in comparison with “skills traditionally regarded as male” (such as those relating to physical strength). Accordingly, in order to prevent and address effectively discrimination in remuneration, the Committee once again asks the Government to take the necessary steps to amend section 61(2) of the Labour Code so as to fully reflect the principle of equal remuneration between men and women for work of equal value set out in the Convention, and to provide information on any measures taken to this end.

Article 2. Scope of the principle laid down in the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to take the necessary steps, in cooperation with the social partners, to ensure that the provisions of article 70 of the CAMRAIL collective agreement, concerning the grant of benefits in the form of transport facilities only to the wife and children of an employee, conform with the principle of equality laid down in the Convention. In a communication of 5 December 2007, the Government states, referring to the application of the CAMRAIL agreement, that the General Union of Workers of Cameroon (UGTC) asserts that equal treatment exists in practice. Consequently, the Government says, that is enough. The Committee also notes that the Government indicates in its 2009 report that the CAMRAIL collective agreement has not been renegotiated, nor is it in the process of renegotiation. While noting the statement that equality is observed in practice, the Committee is of the view that maintaining discriminatory provisions in the text of the CAMRAIL collective agreement may have the effect of preventing men and women workers from knowing their rights and seeking to assert them. The Committee accordingly asks the Government to take the necessary steps, in cooperation with the social partners, to ensure that the provisions of the CAMRAIL agreement observe the principle of equal remuneration between men and women for work of equal value, and to encourage the social partners to revise any discriminatory provisions on remuneration, including allowances and benefits, in collective agreements when they are renegotiated.

Articles 2 (paragraph 2(c)), and 4. Work of equal value. Collective agreements. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. In its report, the Government indicates that some collective agreements have been negotiated or revised recently, and affirms that they provide for measures to give effect to Article 2 of the Convention. The Government also states that measures under way to convince the social partners of the need to bring the provisions of collective agreements into line with those of the Convention, are to be pursued. The Committee hopes that the recently concluded collective agreements incorporate the principle of equal remuneration between men and women for work of equal value and that those in the process of negotiation will likewise reflect the principle, and asks the Government to provide a copy of the clauses of these agreements that pertain to wages, allowances and bonuses.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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1. Article 2 of the Convention. Work of equal value. Laws and regulations. The Committee notes that section 61(2), of the Labour Code stipulates that “in equal conditions of work and professional ability, wages are equal for all workers, regardless of their origin, gender, age, status and religious beliefs”. The Committee notes that this section does not fully reflect the principle of equal remuneration for men and women as set forth in the Convention, since this principle encompasses not only work in equal conditions or similar types of work, but also types of work which, while different, are of equal value. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its 2006 general observation, in particular to paragraph 6 thereof, which states that legal provisions that are narrower than the principle as laid down in the Convention, as they do not give expression to the concept of “work of equal value”, hinder progress in eradicating gender-based pay discrimination against women at work. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is applied in practice. The Committee asks the Government to take all the necessary steps to give full legislative expression to the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

2. Differences in remuneration. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the points raised by the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) concerning the application by certain employers, especially in remote areas, of different wage rates for men and women. The Government states that in order to remedy this situation, it is the responsibility of the workers affected and the trade unionists to denounce such employers. The Government also states that labour inspections are carried out to monitor the application of the Convention in respect of equal remuneration. In this regard, the Committee notes from the PAMODEC study that the provisions in force relating to proof of discrimination make it very difficult for workers to prove that they are victims of wage discrimination. The above document adds that this is one of the reasons why, despite the widespread awareness of recurrent discriminatory practices, not many discrimination-related disputes have been noted. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken to help workers demonstrate wage discrimination. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which labour inspections ensure the effective application of the Convention and particularly on the number of labour inspections carried out in remote areas and the nature of the reported violations of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

3. Article 3. Objective appraisal of jobs. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the State sets the minimum guaranteed interoccupational wage (SMIG). It also notes the existence of a standard national job classification system and the professional job classification system in the sectors where agreements are negotiated. The Committee asks the Government to send information on the methods used to establish the abovementioned job classification systems and on the manner in which these systems apply the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value for the setting of the SMIG and the wages fixed through collective bargaining.

4. Part V of the report form. Statistics. The Committee notes that the Government is still not able to provide statistical information on the application of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government once again requests the technical assistance of the Office to compile all the requested data. The Committee hopes that the Office will very soon be in a position to provide such assistance. In the meantime, it nevertheless encourages the Government, once again, to make every effort to collect and provide any information on the practical application of the Convention, including through collective agreements, that would permit the Committee to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities between men and women.

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The Committee notes the communication from the General Confederation of Labour – Liberty Cameroon (CGTL) of 27 August 2007.

1. Article 2 of the Convention. Work of equal value. Collective agreements. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 37(1) of the national collective agreement for dockworkers was not fully consistent with the principle set forth in the Convention. This provision does not reflect the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and merely ensures that wages are equal for all workers in equal conditions of work and with equal professional ability, regardless of sex. The Committee notes the Government’s statement to the effect that between 2002–07, 17 national collective agreements were concluded applying the principle of equal wages in equal conditions of work. The Committee also notes that according to the communication from the CGTL, although equal remuneration is established in law and in collective agreements, employers are refusing to apply this principle. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided any information on the steps taken to promote the full application of this principle in collective agreements. Consequently, it recalls that under Article 2 of the Convention, the Government has undertaken to promote and, if necessary, ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women by means of national laws or regulations, legally established or recognized machinery for wage determination, collective agreements or a combination of these various means. The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take steps to convince the social partners of the need to bring the provisions of collective agreements into line with the principle set forth in the Convention, and asks the Government to send information on the results achieved in this respect. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken to ensure the effective application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value.

2. Article 2. Scope of the principle set forth in the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 70(a) and (b) of the collective agreement for CAMRAIL was not in line with the principle set forth in the Convention. This provision limits the granting of benefits in the form of transport facilities to the wife and children of the employee, thereby excluding the husband of a female employee from such benefits. On that occasion, the Committee recalled that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value applies not only to the basic wage but also to any additional emoluments payable directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind. The Committee, therefore, asked the Government to take the necessary measures to bring this section into line with the Convention. In this respect, the Government states that according to section 7 of the CAMRAIL agreement, the revision of provisions of the agreement may take place at the initiative of each of the signatory parties, but not at that of the Government, which has countersigned the agreement. The Government adds that it stands ready to support the party which takes the initiative to revise section 70 of the agreement. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure that the provisions of section 70 of the CAMRAIL agreement are in full conformity with the principle set forth in the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee once again asks the Government to take concrete steps, in cooperation with the social partners, to ensure that collective agreements such as those noted above are free from discriminatory provisions and gender-biased language with respect to remuneration and, in particular, additional allowances and benefits.

The Committee is also raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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The Committee notes the communication from the General Confederation of Labour‑Liberty (CGT-Liberty), dated 10 October 2005, alleging that certain enterprises apply discriminatory wage differentials based on ethnicity. The Committee refers in this regard to its comments made under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

1. Wage differentials. The Committee regrets that no further information has been provided by the Government on the measures taken in relation to the matters previously raised by the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USCL) concerning the wage differentials applied by certain employers in remote areas. It trusts that the Government’s next report will include the requested information, including on any action taken to monitor and address cases of wage discrimination in these areas so as to ensure that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value is fully applied.

2. Statistical information. Recalling its previous direct request, the Committee notes that the Government again does not provide statistical information on the distribution of men and women in different job categories and their earning levels. Noting that the Government again requests the technical assistance of the Office for the compilation of all requested data, the Committee hopes that it will be possible to provide such assistance in the very near future. In the meantime, the Committee nevertheless encourages the Government to make every effort to collect and provide any information on the practical application of the Convention, including through collective agreements, that would permit the Committee to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities between men and women.

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1. The Committee notes the communication from the General Union of Cameroon Workers (UGCT) dated 30 August 2005 regarding the application of the principle of the Convention by means of collective agreements, and the Government’s reply thereto.

2. Article 2 of the Convention. Collective agreements. The Committee had previously commented on the discriminatory provisions in the collective agreement for CAMRAIL, which limits the granting of transport facilities to the “wife and children” of the employee (section 70(a) and (b)). It had also noted that section 37(1) of the collective agreement for dockworkers provides that equal wages shall be paid only “in equal conditions of work and professional ability” without distinction on the basis of sex. With regard to the CAMRAIL agreement, the Committee notes that the Government continues to state that the additional allowances and benefits in the collective agreement are only granted to the wife and children of employees, thereby excluding the husband of a female employee from such benefits. It also notes the comment of the UGCT stating that the relevant provisions in the CAMRAIL agreement have not been modified but that, in practice, equality of treatment exists. The Committee reminds the Government that the Convention covers all components arising out of an employment relationship, and that the definition of remuneration as set out in Article 1(a) of the Convention includes not only the basic wage but also any additional emoluments payable directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind. Furthermore, noting again the absence of any information in the Government’s report regarding the application of the principle of the Convention to dockworkers, the Committee must recall that the principle of equal remuneration under Article 1(b) goes beyond equal remuneration for work in equal conditions and also covers work that is different but nonetheless of equal value. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide in its next report concrete information on the measures taken, in cooperation with the social partners, to ensure that collective agreements such as those noted above are free from discriminatory provisions and gender-biased language with respect to remuneration and, in particular, additional allowances and benefits.

3. Noting further that the Government’s report has again provided little or no information with respect to the points raised in its previous comments, the Committee trusts that the Government will make every effort to collect and communicate, in its next report, the requested information in order to enable the Committee to assess the extent to which effect is given in law and in practice to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

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1.  While noting the brief information contained in the Government’s report, the Committee regrets that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comments and that it contains only general information, which does not enable the Committee to assess the extent to which the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention, is applied in practice.

2. The Committee recalls from its previous direct request the comments received from the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) on 23 February 2001 claiming, inter alia, that certain employers, especially those in remote areas, apply wage rates that are not in conformity with the regulations issued by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Services (MELS). The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report of 2004 that USCL has not specified which remote areas are concerned, but that the Government has sent a letter to USLC requesting it to indicate the areas and that action will be taken. The Committee hopes that specifications will be given and that the Government will provide detailed information in its next report on the measures taken in relation to the matters raised by the USCL, including any action taken to strengthen the capacity of labour inspectors to report cases of wage discrimination in these areas so as to ensure that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value is fully applied.

3. Article 2 of the Convention. Collective agreements. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that wages negotiated through collective agreements have increased by between 7 per cent and 18 per cent, but it omits to provide information enabling the Committee to assess the manner in which the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value is applied in practice.

4. The Committee is bound to reiterate its previous direct request with respect to allowances and benefits which are only granted to wives and children under the Collective Agreement for CAMRAIL. It noted that section 2 of the Collective Agreement provides for protection against discrimination on the basis of sex, but restricts transport facilities only to be granted to the "wife and children" of the employee (section 70(a) and (b)), thereby excluding the husband of a woman worker from such benefits. The Committee points out once again that the Convention covers all components of remuneration arising out of the employment relationship. It therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to eliminate discriminatory provisions in collective agreements with respect to remuneration, and particularly with regards to additional allowances and benefits.

5. The Committee also reiterates its request with regard to section 37(1) of the Collective Agreement for Dock Workers, which provides than "in equal conditions of work and professional ability" equal wages shall be paid to all workers without distinction on the basis of sex. Recalling that the principle enshrined in Article 1(b) of the Convention goes beyond equal remuneration for men and women workers for "equal work" or "work in equal conditions", the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information with its next report on any measures taken or envisaged to make sure that men and women covered by the Collective Agreement for Dock Workers are entitled to equal remuneration for work of equal value, and not just for equal work.

6. Statistical information. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that disaggregated statistical information, according to job category and earnings levels, still has not been compiled and that it once again requests the technical assistance of the Office. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the very near future. It also hopes that the Government will be in a position in the near future to collect the necessary data, disaggregated by sex, so that the Committee can assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities between men and women workers.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, as well as the attached documentation and copies of legislation and collective agreements.

1. With reference to its previous direct request in which the Committee asked for statistics on earnings and salary scales in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed), the Committee notes the Government’s statement that, contrary to the indications previously given by the Government, these statistics are not available. It also notes that the Government reaffirms its willingness to undertake surveys in private education and the health and hotel and restaurant sectors in Yaoundé and Douala - which are sectors primarily employing women - in order to determine the disparity in the remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, and that it will communicate these statistics, once they are available. As regards its request for information on the distribution of men and women at various wage levels, the Committee notes that the Government intends to collect statistics in labour-intensive industries in Yaoundé and Douala so as to verify whether any concentration of women exists in low-salary and low-status jobs.

2. Further to the above, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to the salary scales for workers in the public and para public service. It also notes the collective agreements for enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities and the salary scales and classification of posts annexed to the collective agreements for CAMRAIL, the banking and finance sector, and dockworkers. While appreciating this information, the Committee notes, however, that the data do not provide any information on the distribution of men and women, according to job category and earnings levels, in these different sectors of activity. Noting that the Government intends to seek the Office’s technical advisory services to facilitate data collection, the Committee recalls its previous comments on the subject and hopes, once again, that the Government will be in a position, with the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and any other appropriate body, to collect the necessary data that will enable the Committee to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities.

3. The Committee notes that section 2 of the Collective Agreement for CAMRAIL provides for protection against discrimination on the basis of sex but restricts transport facilities to the "wife and children" of the employee (section 70(a) and (b)). Recalling Article 1(a) of the Convention, it asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or contemplated to eliminate discriminatory provisions with respect to remuneration, in particular additional allowances and benefits, in collective agreements. It also encourages the Government to consider measures aimed at raising awareness amongst the social partners so as to enable them to avoid the use of gender-biased language in those collective agreements. The Committee also notes that section 37(1) of the Collective Agreement for Dock Workers provides that "in equal conditions of work and professional ability" equal wages shall be paid to all workers without distinction on the basis of sex. It recalls that the principle enshrined in Article 1(b) of the Convention goes beyond equal remuneration for men and women workers for "equal work" or "work in equal conditions", and asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to make sure that men and women covered by the agreement are entitled to equal remuneration for work of equal value as well as for equal work.

4. With respect to the application of Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not excluded from the wage-fixing machinery and that the collaboration with the social partners does not raise any problems. The Committee refers to its previous comments on this subject and asks the Government, once again, to provide practical information on any measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is not involved in wage setting; and (c) to cooperate with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, particularly the National Consultative Commission of Labour, for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

The Committee notes the comments received from the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) on 23 February 2001 which relate to the application of the Convention in remote areas and which were transmitted to the Government for comments on 29 March 2001.

The Committee notes that, according to the USLC, the information provided by the Government in its report reflects overall the reality with respect to the legislative texts cited in the Government’s report. However, the USLC also indicates that certain employers, especially those in remote areas, apply rates that are not in conformity with the regulations implemented by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Services (MELS), and requests that the inspectors of the MELS be more vigilant in these areas. The Committee notes that the Government does not reply to the comments made by the USLC and it asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to eradicate any wage disparity between men and women workers in remote areas, including any action taken to strengthen the capacity of labour inspectors to report cases of wage discrimination in these areas, so as to ensure improved application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

The Committee is raising other points in a request directly addressed to the Government.

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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, as well as the attached documentation and copies of legislation and collective agreements.

1. With reference to its previous direct request in which the Committee asked for statistics on earnings and salary scales in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed), the Committee notes the Government’s statement that, contrary to the indications previously given by the Government, these statistics are not available. It also notes that the Government reaffirms its willingness to undertake surveys in private education and the health and hotel and restaurant sectors in Yaoundé and Douala - which are sectors primarily employing women - in order to determine the disparity in the remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, and that it will communicate these statistics, once they are available. As regards its request for information on the distribution of men and women at various wage levels, the Committee notes that the Government intends to collect statistics in labour-intensive industries in Yaoundé and Douala so as to verify whether any concentration of women exists in low-salary and low-status jobs.

2. Further to the above, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with respect to the salary scales for workers in the public and para-public service. It also notes the collective agreements for enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities and the salary scales and classification of posts annexed to the collective agreements for CAMRAIL, the banking and finance sector, and dockworkers. While appreciating this information, the Committee notes, however, that the data do not provide any information on the distribution of men and women, according to job category and earnings levels, in these different sectors of activity. Noting that the Government intends to seek the Office’s technical advisory services to facilitate data collection, the Committee recalls its previous comments on the subject and hopes, once again, that the Government will be in a position, with the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and any other appropriate body, to collect the necessary data that will enable the Committee to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities.

3. The Committee notes that section 2 of the Collective Agreement for CAMRAIL provides for protection against discrimination on the basis of sex but restricts transport facilities to the "wife and children" of the employee (section 70(a) and (b)). Recalling Article 1(a) of the Convention, it asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or contemplated to eliminate discriminatory provisions with respect to remuneration, in particular additional allowances and benefits, in collective agreements. It also encourages the Government to consider measures aimed at raising awareness amongst the social partners so as to enable them to avoid the use of gender-biased language in those collective agreements. The Committee also notes that section 37(1) of the Collective Agreement for Dock Workers provides that "in equal conditions of work and professional ability" equal wages shall be paid to all workers without distinction on the basis of sex. It recalls that the principle enshrined in Article 1(b) of the Convention goes beyond equal remuneration for men and women workers for "equal work" or "work in equal conditions", and asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to make sure that men and women covered by the agreement are entitled to equal remuneration for work of equal value as well as for equal work.

4. With respect to the application of Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not excluded from the wage-fixing machinery and that the collaboration with the social partners does not raise any problems. The Committee refers to its previous comments on this subject and asks the Government, once again, to provide practical information on any measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is not involved in wage-setting; and (c) to cooperate with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, particularly the National Consultative Commission of Labour, for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject.

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The Committee notes the comments received from the Union of Free Trade Unions of Cameroon (USLC) on 23 February 2001 which relate to the application of the Convention in remote areas and which were transmitted to the Government for comments on 29 March 2001.

The Committee notes that, according to the USLC, the information provided by the Government in its report reflects overall the reality with respect to the legislative texts cited in the Government’s report. However, the USLC also indicates that certain employers, especially those in remote areas, apply rates that are not in conformity with the regulations implemented by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Services (MELS), and requests that the inspectors of the MELS be more vigilant in these areas. The Committee notes that the Government does not reply to the comments made by the USLC and it asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to eradicate any wage disparity between men and women workers in remote areas, including any action taken to strengthen the capacity of labour inspectors to report cases of wage discrimination in these areas, so as to ensure improved application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value.

The Committee is raising other points in a request directly addressed to the Government.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1.  As the Government has affirmed many times that implementation of the Convention raises no problems in practice, the Committee asked the Government to supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women and, particularly, on their earnings compared with those of men engaged in a job of equivalent value in order to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities. Each time, the Government replied that it would supply the information as soon as it was available. The Committee notes, however, that in its most recent report, the Government no longer mentions this matter, merely reaffirming that in Cameroon wage scales make no distinction between men and women workers. First, the Committee refers the Government to the 1990 general observation in which the Committee noted that the difficulties in applying the Convention encountered by governments appeared to be due to a number of factors, including lack of knowledge of the true situation due to the unavailability or inadequacy of data and research in this field. As it explained in paragraphs 22 and 72 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, the Committee recalls that while the adoption of wage scales which are neutral from the point of view of sex of the worker concerned is a prerequisite for application of the Convention, it is not sufficient. In fact, wage discrimination may also arise out of the existence of occupational categories and jobs reserved for women and thus a biased evaluation of jobs traditionally considered as "peculiar to women". Consequently, the fact that women workers are more heavily concentrated in certain jobs and sectors of activity must also be taken into account when a government is endeavouring to assess the application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in its country. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to endeavour to collect data, with the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations, on earnings and salary scales practised in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed, in work of equal value). On the same lines, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the general distribution of men and women at various wage levels to enable it to assess whether there is a concentration of women in the wage groups at the bottom of the scale and in jobs with low levels of responsibility. Finally, the Committee suggests that the Government call on the ILO technical advisory services on statistics in order to facilitate its data collection.

2.  In its previous comment, the Committee noted that since 1992 the State no longer has a monopoly on wage fixing. It therefore asked the Government to supply copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women and, in particular, of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities. In regard to the obligation of a State which has ratified the Convention to ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration, the Committee notes that under Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, this obligation applies only in so far as is consistent with the methods in force for setting rates of remuneration. As it emphasized in paragraph 27 of the abovementioned General Survey, if the State intervenes in the field of minimum wage fixing, it is barred from referring to the principle of free collective bargaining in order to avoid this obligation. Furthermore, still under Article 2 of the Convention, where the Government is excluded from wage fixing because of the right to collective bargaining, it must promote the application of the principle and, by virtue of Article 4 of the Convention, cooperate as appropriate with the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention.

3.  The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is excluded from the wage-setting machinery; and (c) to cooperate with the employers’ and workers’ organizations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject. Finally, the Committee would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

[...]

1. As the Government has affirmed many times that implementation of the Convention raises no problems in practice, the Committee asked the Government to supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women and, particularly, on their earnings compared with those of men engaged in a job of equivalent value in order to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities. Each time, the Government replied that it would supply the information as soon as it was available. The Committee notes, however, that in its most recent report, the Government no longer mentions this matter, merely reaffirming that in Cameroon wage scales make no distinction between men and women workers. First, the Committee refers the Government to the 1990 general observation in which the Committee noted that the difficulties in applying the Convention encountered by governments appeared to be due to a number of factors, including lack of knowledge of the true situation due to the unavailability or inadequacy of data and research in this field. As it explained in paragraphs 22 and 72 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, the Committee recalls that while the adoption of wage scales which are neutral from the point of view of sex of the worker concerned is a prerequisite for application of the Convention, it is not sufficient. In fact, wage discrimination may also arise out of the existence of occupational categories and jobs reserved for women and thus a biased evaluation of jobs traditionally considered as "peculiar to women". Consequently, the fact that women workers are more heavily concentrated in certain jobs and sectors of activity must also be taken into account when a government is endeavouring to assess the application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in its country. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to endeavour to collect data, with the cooperation of employers' and workers' organizations, on earnings and salary scales pracised in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed, in work of equal value). On the same lines, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the general distribution of men and women at various wage levels to enable it to assess whether there is a concentration of women in the wage groups at the bottom of the scale and in jobs with low levels of responsibility. Finally, the Committee suggests that the Government call on the ILO technical advisory services on statistics in order to facilitate its data collection.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that since 1992 the State no longer has a monopoly on wage fixing. It therefore asked the Government to supply copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women and, in particular, of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities. In regard to the obligation of a State which has ratified the Convention to ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration, the Committee notes that under Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, this obligation applies only in so far as is consistent with the methods in force for setting rates of remuneration. As it emphasized in paragraph 27 of the above-mentioned General Survey, if the State intervenes in the field of minimum wage fixing, it is barred from referring to the principle of free collective bargaining in order to avoid this obligation. Furthermore, still under Article 2 of the Convention, where the Government is excluded from wage fixing because of the right to collective bargaining, it must promote the application of the principle and, by virtue of Article 4 of the Convention, cooperate as appropriate with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention.

3. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is excluded from the wage-setting machinery; and (c) to cooperate with the employers' and workers' organizations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject. Finally, the Committee would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. As the Government has affirmed many times that implementation of the Convention raises no problems in practice, the Committee asked the Government to supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women and, particularly, on their earnings compared with those of men engaged in a job of equivalent value in order to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities. Each time, the Government replied that it would supply the information as soon as it was available. The Committee notes, however, that in its most recent report, the Government no longer mentions this matter, merely reaffirming that in Cameroon wage scales make no distinction between men and women workers. First, the Committee refers the Government to the 1990 general observation in which the Committee noted that the difficulties in applying the Convention encountered by governments appeared to be due to a number of factors, including lack of knowledge of the true situation due to the unavailability or inadequacy of data and research in this field. As it explained in paragraphs 22 and 72 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, the Committee recalls that while the adoption of wage scales which are neutral from the point of view of sex of the worker concerned is a prerequisite for application of the Convention, it is not sufficient. In fact, wage discrimination may also arise out of the existence of occupational categories and jobs reserved for women and thus a biased evaluation of jobs traditionally considered as "peculiar to women". Consequently, the fact that women workers are more heavily concentrated in certain jobs and sectors of activity must also be taken into account when a government is endeavouring to assess the application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in its country. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to endeavour to collect data, with the cooperation of employers' and workers' organizations, on earnings and salary scales practised in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed, in work of equal value). On the same lines, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the general distribution of men and women at various wage levels to enable it to assess whether there is a concentration of women in the wage groups at the bottom of the scale and in jobs with low levels of responsibility. Finally, the Committee suggests that the Government call on the ILO technical advisory services on statistics in order to facilitate its data collection.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that since 1992 the State no longer has a monopoly on wage fixing. It therefore asked the Government to supply copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women and, in particular, of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities. In regard to the obligation of a State which has ratified the Convention to ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration, the Committee notes that under Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, this obligation applies only in so far as is consistent with the methods in force for setting rates of remuneration. As it emphasized in paragraph 27 of the above-mentioned General Survey, if the State intervenes in the field of minimum wage fixing, it is barred from referring to the principle of free collective bargaining in order to avoid this obligation. Furthermore, still under Article 2 of the Convention, where the Government is excluded from wage fixing because of the right to collective bargaining, it must promote the application of the principle and, by virtue of Article 4 of the Convention, cooperate as appropriate with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention.

3. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is excluded from the wage-setting machinery; and (c) to cooperate with the employers' and workers' organizations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject. Finally, the Committee would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

1. As the Government has affirmed many times that implementation of the Convention raises no problems in practice, the Committee asked the Government to supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women and, particularly, on their earnings compared with those of men engaged in a job of equivalent value in order to assess the nature and extent of any existing wage inequalities. Each time, the Government replied that it would supply the information as soon as it was available. The Committee notes, however, that in its most recent report, the Government no longer mentions this matter, merely reaffirming that in Cameroon wage scales make no distinction between men and women workers. First, the Committee refers the Government to the 1990 general observation in which the Committee noted that the difficulties in applying the Convention encountered by governments appeared to be due to a number of factors, including lack of knowledge of the true situation due to the unavailability or inadequacy of data and research in this field. As it explained in paragraphs 22 and 72 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, the Committee recalls that while the adoption of wage scales which are neutral from the point of view of sex of the worker concerned is a prerequisite for application of the Convention, it is not sufficient. In fact, wage discrimination may also arise out of the existence of occupational categories and jobs reserved for women and thus a biased evaluation of jobs traditionally considered as "peculiar to women". Consequently, the fact that women workers are more heavily concentrated in certain jobs and sectors of activity must also be taken into account when a government is endeavouring to assess the application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in its country. The Committee therefore requests the Government once again to endeavour to collect data, with the cooperation of employers' and workers' organizations, on earnings and salary scales practised in branches of activity in which mostly women are employed (in comparison with salary rates in sectors in which mostly men are employed, in work of equal value). On the same lines, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the general distribution of men and women at various wage levels to enable it to assess whether there is a concentration of women in the wage groups at the bottom of the scale and in jobs with low levels of responsibility. Finally, the Committee suggests that the Government call on the ILO technical advisory services on statistics in order to facilitate its data collection.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that since 1992 the State no longer has a monopoly on wage fixing. It therefore asked the Government to supply copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women and, in particular, of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities. In regard to the obligation of a State which has ratified the Convention to ensure the application of the principle of equal remuneration, the Committee notes that under Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, this obligation applies only in so far as is consistent with the methods in force for setting rates of remuneration. As it emphasized in paragraph 27 of the above-mentioned General Survey, if the State intervenes in the field of minimum wage fixing, it is barred from referring to the principle of free collective bargaining in order to avoid this obligation. Furthermore, still under Article 2 of the Convention, where the Government is excluded from wage fixing because of the right to collective bargaining, it must promote the application of the principle and, by virtue of Article 4 of the Convention, cooperate as appropriate with the employers' and workers' organizations concerned for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention.

3. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration in the fields in which it can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is excluded from the wage-setting machinery; and (c) to cooperate with the employers' and workers' organizations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Convention and of national legislation on the subject. Finally, the Committee would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous statements to the effect that the results of the general census of the population carried out in 1987 are still not in its possession and that it will supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women, as soon as possible. In view of the fact that, even if they are finally published, the results of the general census of the population carried out seven years ago will be very outdated and should be brought up to date, the Committee once again hopes that the Government will endeavour, in collaboration with the organizations of employers and workers, to compile data on earnings and related information and to analyse it with a view to gaining a more detailed knowledge of the nature and extent of existing inequalities, and to providing a basis for the formulation of measures to eliminate them, as recommended in paragraph 248 of the General Survey of 1986 on equal remuneration. It requests the Government to supply in its next report the wage scales in occupations and sectors in which a large proportion of women are employed, with an indication of the distribution of men and women at the various levels, in order to be able to assess the manner in which the principle set out in the Convention is given effect in practice.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the report, the minimum wage has been fixed since 1992 by a Decree issued after the National Labour Advisory Commission has given its opinion, and that the occupational categories and wages concerned are determined by negotiation in the framework of collective or enterprise agreements. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply with its next report copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women, with an indication if possible of the percentage of women covered by these collective agreements and the distribution of men and women at the various levels. In particular, it would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but which have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

Further to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the information contained in the report.

1. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous statements to the effect that the results of the general census of the population carried out in 1987 are still not in its possession and that it will supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women, as soon as possible. In view of the fact that, even if they are finally published, the results of the general census of the population carried out seven years ago will be very outdated and should be brought up to date, the Committee once again hopes that the Government will endeavour, in collaboration with the organizations of employers and workers, to compile data on earnings and related information and to analyse it with a view to gaining a more detailed knowledge of the nature and extent of existing inequalities, and to providing a basis for the formulation of measures to eliminate them, as recommended in paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration. It requests the Government to supply in its next report the wage scales in occupations and sectors in which a large proportion of women are employed, with an indication of the distribution of men and women at the various levels, in order to be able to assess the manner in which the principle set out in the Convention is given effect in practice.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the report, the minimum wage has been fixed since 1992 by a Decree issued after the National Labour Advisory Commission has given its opinion, and that the occupational categories and wages concerned are determined by negotiation in the framework of collective or enterprise agreements. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply with its next report copies of the collective agreements in force which determine wage levels in sectors employing a large number of women, with an indication if possible of the percentage of women covered by these collective agreements and the distribution of men and women at the various levels. In particular, it would like to receive copies of the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works and agricultural, forestry and processing activities which were referred to as being attached to the report, but which have not been received.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. It notes in particular that the Government will transmit as soon as possible the statistics requested on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to supply this information in its next report together with indications of the remuneration of women in comparison with that of men in these jobs.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the principle of equal remuneration is applicable as regards the various bonuses and allowances and notes with interest that in the public service (section 6 of Decree No. 91/324 of 9 July 1991 to establish the conditions for the award and occupation of administrative housing) the housing allowance is paid to each spouse. As regards the private sector, the Committee hopes to receive in the near future the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works, construction, agricultural and forestry activities and processing which, according to the report, will be transmitted later.

3. The Committee notes from the texts supplied by the Government that the tables of indices were established on 1 December 1982, and then on 1 November 1983 and 1 July 1983. The Committee requests the Government to supply with future reports wage scales for more recent years and statistics by sex and category.

4. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply recent information on labour inspection activities to supervise the application of the principle of equal wages for work of equal value (including the violations reported and the penalties imposed) and on court rulings in this field.

CMNT_TITLE

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the Government's report and the attached texts.

1. It notes in particular that the Government will transmit as soon as possible the statistics requested on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to supply this information in its next report together with indications of the remuneration of women in comparison with that of men in these jobs.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the principle of equal remuneration is applicable as regards the various bonuses and allowances and notes with interest that in the public service (section 6 of Decree No. 91/324 of 9 July 1991 to establish the conditions for the award and occupation of administrative housing) the housing allowance is paid to each spouse. As regards the private sector, the Committee hopes to receive in the near future the collective agreements concluded in enterprises undertaking public works, construction, agricultural and forestry activities and processing which, according to the report, will be transmitted later.

3. The Committee notes from the texts supplied by the Government that the tables of indices were established on 1 December 1982, and then on 1 November 1983 and 1 July 1983. The Committee requests the Government to supply with future reports wage scales for more recent years and statistics by sex and category.

4. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply recent information on labour inspection activities to supervise the application of the principle of equal wages for work of equal value (including the violations reported and the penalties imposed) and on court rulings in this field.

CMNT_TITLE

1. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's statement that the National Joint Board for Collective Agreements and Wages has taken into account work of a different nature but of equal value in the classification of jobs in all sectors, and that when establishing this classification the Board based itself broadly on the ILO International Standard Classification of Occupations. In this connection, the Committee refers to the explanations given in paragraphs 22 and 72 of its 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration, in which it indicates that in spite of the difficulties associated with a broader comparison of jobs, the fact that women workers are more heavily concentrated in certain jobs and in certain sectors of activity has to be taken into account so as to avoid or redress a biased evaluation of qualities traditionally considered as "peculiar to women". The Committee requests the Government to supply statistics on jobs in which there is a heavy concentration of women and on their remuneration in comparison with that of men.

2. The Committee notes the collective agreement for commerce and its appendix (the supplementary occupational classification for commerce signed on 3 May 1979), which was supplied with the report. It notes the provisions of Title V concerning wages and those of Title VI concerning bonuses, allowances and various benefits. In view of the fact that, according to the Convention, the term "remuneration" includes the ordinary, basic or minimum wage or salary and any additional emoluments whatsoever payable directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind, by the employer to the worker and arising out of the worker's employment, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the principle of equal remuneration as provided for in the Convention is also applicable as regards the above bonuses and allowances. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying collective agreements that have recently been concluded in branches other than commerce.

3. In its previous comments concerning the public sector, the Committee requested the Government to supply a copy of the Decree establishing for public servants the elements comprising remuneration, as provided in section 42 of Decree No. 74-138 of 18 February 1974, issuing the General Regulations of the Public Service, and a copy of the texts establishing the remuneration scheme and the tables of indices issued under section 44 of the above Regulations. The Committee requests the Government to supply copies of the above texts and tables of indices with its next report.