Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention in law. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value has been introduced in the Labour Code through amendments in 2001 and 2003. Remuneration has been widely defined as including all payments and benefits connected with work, irrespective of their name and character, paid to the worker in cash or in other form. Work of equal value has been defined as jobs the performance of which requires comparable vocational qualifications, confirmed by official documents, practice or experience, as well as responsibility and effort. The Government is asked to provide information on the promotion and enforcement of the equal remuneration provisions of the Labour Code, including the findings of the inspections conducted in 2003 and 2004 by the National Labour Inspectorate and to provide any relevant administrative or judicial decisions.

2. The gender wage gap - statistical information. The Committee notes with interest the fact that the Government has conducted, compiled and provided detailed statistical information and analyses regarding the earning levels of men and women. According to this information women received 83.1 per cent of the earnings of men in October 2002. Women earned less than men in all occupational groups, even though they were better educated and performed more frequently work requiring higher qualifications. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide similar information, as well as information on the measures taken to address and reduce the existing gender pay gap.

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