Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report.

Minimum wage for adolescents

The Committee notes that the interoccupational guaranteed minimum wage (SMIG) in the non-agricultural sectors and the guaranteed minimum agricultural wage (SMAG) are fixed on the basis of age for workers of both sexes, even if the scope of the differentiation is partially limited by section 4 of Decree No. 96-1547, which stipulates that young workers below the age of 18 years should in no case receive a wage that is less than 85 per cent of the adult wage. In this regard, the Committee wishes to refer to paragraph 171 of its 1992 General Survey on minimum wages in which it invited States to devote special attention to the provision of fair remuneration to young workers, bearing in mind the principle of "equal pay for equal work" and objective criteria such as the quantity and quality of work done.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to re-examine the question of the different minimum wage rates based on age in the light of the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

Article 5 of the Convention, read in conjunction with point V of the report form. The Committee notes in particular that the SMIG and the SMAG are subject to regular increases once or twice a year. The Committee also notes the Government's indication to the effect that the information on the number of workers covered by the minimum wage will be communicated as soon as it is available.

The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to provide this information, as well as other general information on the application of the Convention in practice, particularly in the agricultural sector, relating to: (i) the minimum wage rates in force, and the extent to which they apply to homeworkers; (ii) where possible, available statistics on the number and different categories of workers covered by the minimum wages (SMIG/SMAG); and (iii) the results of any inspections carried out (violations noted, sanctions imposed, etc.).