Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) - Malta (Ratification: 1988)

Other comments on C131

Direct Request

Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments

2019

Display in: French - SpanishView all

Article 2 of the Convention. Minimum wages for young persons. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that the National Minimum Wage National Standard Order (Cap. 452) provides for differentiated minimum wage rates based on the worker’s age and requested the Government to indicate whether any thought had been given to the possible need to review that policy in the light of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. In the absence of the Government’s reply on this point, the Committee wishes to emphasize the importance of ensuring that remuneration levels are determined on the basis of objective factors such as the quantity and quality of work performed. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to explain the reasons for maintaining a system of lower minimum wage rates for young workers and indicate how it is ensured that persons below 18 years of age are not subject to any wage discrimination as compared to adult workers when performing work of equal value.

Articles 3 and 4. Machinery to determine and adjust minimum wages. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government as to the composition and the consultative role of the tripartite Employment Relations Board in the minimum wage fixing process. The Committee also notes that the national minimum wage for adult workers, as from January 2013, is set at €162.19 per week. Moreover, the Committee notes that around 60 per cent of employees are covered by collective agreements that establish much higher pay rates. The Committee would appreciate receiving copies of any sectoral regulation orders currently in effect, as well as copies of collective agreements containing clauses on minimum pay rates.