Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Public sector. The Committee recalls the Government’s indication that the remuneration of workers in the public sector is determined on the basis of the complexity of work, responsibility, working conditions and workers’ qualifications and performance. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that a draft law on the remuneration of workers of state and municipal institutions is under consideration. Pursuant to this draft, remuneration rates will be established in accordance with the “nature of the work, the size of the institutions of specific economic branches and other criteria”. Recalling its 2006 general observation on the Convention, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the importance of examining jobs on the basis of objective and non‑discriminatory criteria in order to avoid a gender-biased assessment of their value for the purpose of wage setting. In the absence of the information previously requested, the Committee again asks the Government to provide information on the methodology used to classify and rank different jobs and positions on the basis of the abovementioned criteria, indicating how it is ensured that this classification does not result in an undervaluation of jobs traditionally held by women. Please also provide information on any further developments concerning the status of the draft law on the remuneration of workers of state and municipal institutions and provide a copy once it has been adopted.

Enforcement. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the labour inspectorate received 24 appeals and notifications concerning equal remuneration for men and women in 2007, and eight during the period from January to May 2008. The Committee also notes that there have not been any decisions of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson regarding cases of direct and indirect discrimination. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information concerning any violations of the principle of equal remuneration for women and men for work of equal value detected by, or brought to the attention of, the labour inspectorate services, indicating the nature of the case, any sanctions imposed and the remedies provided. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any investigations initiated by the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson which relate to the application of the Convention and on their outcomes as well as information on any relevant decisions handed down by national courts. Please further indicate whether any measures have been adopted or are envisaged to promote public awareness of the legal provisions on equal remuneration and the procedures and remedies available where there has been a violation thereof.