Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s reports and asks the Government to provide information on the following points.

1. In reply to its previous requests concerning specific machinery, including the role played by the labour inspectorate, to promote the application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value, the Government states once more that there is no need for additional measures to give effect to the principle in national practice. The Government further indicates that the labour inspection services have not yet reported on violations of the principle, partly because these are difficult to detect. According to the Government men and women who perform the same work receive the same wages, except in isolated cases that are difficult to detect. The Committee recalls that the principle enshrined in Article 1(b) of the Convention covers not only equal remuneration for men and women for equal work but also for work which is of a different kind but of equal value. While recognizing the difficulties that may exist in securing respect for the principle of equal remuneration, the Committee nevertheless wishes to emphasize once more the importance of additional measures to translate the principle into practice. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to strengthen the specific role of the labour inspection services in securing conformity with the equal pay principle. Such measures may include setting up special equal pay sections in labour inspection services, special training sessions for labour inspectors, recruiting more women inspectors or otherwise reinforcing the role of the inspection process.

2. With respect to the issue of the minimum wage of workers employed by third persons (Decree No. 17/88 of 4 April 1988), the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the tripartite technical commission created for this purpose by the Permanent Social Consultation Council is still examining the study on the minimum wage. The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide a copy of the report to the Committee for its examination. The Committee reiterates its request for information on any developments with respect to the determination, in cooperation with the social partners, of minimum and other wage rates in the various sectors, other than the public service.

3. The Committee notes the collective labour agreements concluded in the banking sector and the company-level agreement for the telecommunications sector which both include a provision (section II, 15-1(b), and Chapter III, section 5, respectively) prohibiting sex-based discrimination. It also notes the tables on the professional categories and minimum remuneration annexed to the company-level agreement in the telecommunications sector and Annexes I, II and IV concerning the different professional job categories and levels annexed to the agreement in the banking sector. The Committee asks the Government to supply statistical data on the distribution of men and women according to job category and their corresponding wages for the banking and telecommunications sectors as well as copies of any other collective agreements in force.

4. With reference to its previous request concerning the study on national classification of jobs, the Committee notes the Government’s determination to complete this study and its requests for technical assistance from the Office to this end. It trusts that progress will be achieved soon in this respect.