Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous direct request, including the reports of the National Mediation Office, and the 2005 report of the Equal Opportunity Ombudsperson (JamÖ). The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the following points.

1. Wage mapping. The Committee notes from the information provided that the number of employers who carry out wage surveys and make pay adjustments as envisaged under the Equal Opportunities Act remains very low. It also notes JamÖ’s analysis concerning certain difficulties regarding collaboration of workers’ representatives in the wage mapping process. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen employers’ compliance with their wage mapping obligations under the Equal Opportunities Act. Please also provide statistical information on the extent to which private and public employers: (a) have carried out wage surveys; and
(b) made pay adjustments. Please also indicate the measures taken or envisaged to promote collaboration of workers’ organizations in wage surveys, as well as on the action taken by trade unions to coordinate issues relating to wage survey at the sectoral level.

2. Wage differentials. The Committee notes JamÖ’s conclusion that there is a clear link between knowledge of how gender-related pay differentials occur and the ability to identify and correct them. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken to examine further the reasons for the remaining gender pay differentials, as a means to strengthen existing strategies and measures to eliminate them. Please also provide updated statistical information on the gender pay gaps in the private and public sectors.

3. Public sector. Noting that, according to the Government, the new system for statistical occupational grouping, BESTA, is intended for use in connection with wage mapping under the Equal Opportunities Act, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the manner in which BESTA is being used in this context and to indicate its contributions to the wage mapping process.

4. Collective bargaining. The Committee notes the information provided concerning provisions contained in national agreements aimed at promoting equal remuneration. It asks the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the application of the Convention is promoted through collective agreements, including information on how provisions promoting equal pay contained in national agreements are being implemented at the local level.

5. Enforcement. The Committee notes JamÖ’s proposal that it be given the mandate to determine procedures for imposing fines itself rather than having to refer them to the Equal Opportunities Commission. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any measures taken to follow up on this proposal. Please also provide information on cases concerning equal pay decided by the courts.