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Repetition Article 2 of the Convention. Minimum wages. Concerning the establishment of the minimum wage rates, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that no review has been done since its last report because the country is under a Structural Adjustment Programme based on a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Monetary Fund and that salaries have since been frozen. The Government adds that, since the adoption of the New Minimum Wage Order in 2011, there is no disparity between wages of men and women, contrary to the 2002 Minimum Wage Order which specified different minimum wages for female and male agricultural workers. The Committee wishes to stress that the question it had asked related to the methods and criteria used to determine the minimum wage rates for the different occupations and industries so as to ensure that sectors with a high proportion of women are not undervalued compared to sectors in which men are predominantly employed. It recalls that, when setting minimum wages, the absence of differentiated minimum wage rates for men and women is not enough, as it is also necessary to eliminate any indirect discrimination, and in particular to ensure that certain skills considered to be “natural” to women workers are not undervalued, while those traditionally associated with men are not overvalued. In addition, the Committee recalls that the concept of “equal value” requires some method of measuring and comparing the relative value of different jobs based on objective criteria such as skills, efforts, responsibilities and working conditions. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the National Training Agency has trained a significant number of persons, mostly young women (although there is no indication of year, numbers, types of occupations); and that, jobs that used to be male dominated (security and construction sectors) have now an increased number of women. However, the last National Labour Force Survey conducted by the Central Statistical Office shows that in 2014 women were still concentrated in certain sectors (wholesale and retail trade, public administration, education, health and social work) despite the fact that they tend to have higher diplomas than men. In light of the persistence of gender segregation in the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the concrete measures taken or envisaged to promote the access of women to a wider range of jobs at all levels, in particular in sectors in which they are currently under-represented. It reiterates its requests to the Government to indicate the methods and criteria used to determine the minimum wage rates and the steps undertaken to develop or implement objective job evaluation methods as required by the Convention. Articles 2(c) and 4. Collective agreements and cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations. In its report, the Government states that it is not in a position to provide information on the impact of the job evaluation exercise carried out in the context of a collective agreement signed by the Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) and the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers Union (GTAWU) on the remuneration of men and women and that it will keep the Office informed when such a study is conducted. The Committee asks the Government to provide information not only on the collective agreement signed by GRENLEC and GTAWU, but also on any other job evaluation exercise carried out in the context of a collective agreement and on the steps taken to give effect to the principle of the Convention through cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations, including through training or awareness raising on the principle of equal value. Article 3. Objective job evaluation. In reply to the Committee’s previous request that the Government develop and implement objective methods of evaluation and criteria that are free from gender bias, in the context of the review of the public sector job evaluation process, the Government merely indicates that in 2012 a Human Resource Audit of the Public Service was undertaken but provides no information on the objectives and results of this audit. Consequently, the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether this audit is a follow-up to the evaluation carried out in 2010 the results of which were not implemented due to concerns raised by workers’ organizations. It also wishes to obtain confirmation that this audit concerned a job evaluation exercise undertaken to ensure that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value is effectively applied in the public sector. It reiterates its request for information on the specific measures taken or envisaged to promote objective job evaluation in the private sector. Monitoring and enforcement. In its previous comments, the Committee had asked the Government to communicate information on the impact of the wage adjustments mandated by an arbitration tribunal, which resulted in the principle of equal pay for work of equal value being applied to women and men working for the Grenada Ports Authority, as well as in compensation for differentials in pay. In its report, the Government indicates that, with the introduction of the equal pay for Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union and Technical and Allied Workers Union, generally workers were satisfied because they were carrying out similar tasks but Seamen and Waterfront Workers were receiving higher wages to that of Technical and Allied Workers Union. In this regard, the Committee asks the Government to provide sex-disaggregated data on the current composition of the staff of Grenada Ports Authority (in particular, the percentage of women working in that institution, at different levels, and in which categories of job they are concentrated).
Repetition Article 3 of the Convention. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the job evaluation process in the public sector is currently under review, and that consultants have been engaged for this purpose. The Government states, however, that there is no pay discrimination in the public service, and that women hold the majority of managerial positions. It notes further the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour encourages job evaluation in the private sector. The Committee asks the Government to keep it apprised of developments in the review of the public sector job evaluation process, and hopes that ensuring equal remuneration for women and men for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention and section 27 of the Employment Act, 1999, will be an explicit objective of the review process. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken to promote objective job evaluation in the private sector. The Committee would also welcome receiving statistics regarding the number of women and men in the various levels of the public sector, including the civil service, as well as for the private sector, if possible, with specific reference to the earnings levels.Article 4. Cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it seeks to address issues of the value of jobs, for example in the collective agreement of the Grenada Ports Authority, and the Grenada Electricity Services. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to assist in addressing the issues of “equal value” with respect to the Grenada Ports Authority and the Grenada Electricity Services. Please also provide information on any other steps taken to give effect to the principle of the Convention through cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations, including through training or awareness raising on the principle.Enforcement. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there have been no cases submitted in violation of section 27 of the Employment Act. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the nature, number and outcome of any cases on unequal remuneration. Please also provide information on any violations of section 27 brought to the attention of the Department of Labour, and any activities undertaken to increase the awareness of the judiciary and the labour inspectorate of the principle of the Convention.
Repetition Discriminatory Minimum Wage Order. The Committee previously raised concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of the Minimum Wage Order SRO 11 (2002), which provides different wages for female and male agricultural workers. The Committee noted previously that the Grenada Employers’ Federation and the Grenada Trade Union Council had agreed with the Committee’s comments and that the Department of Labour had proposed an amendment to provide for the same wage rate for male and female agricultural workers. The Committee regrets that the Government has not replied to the Committee’s previous observation on this matter and, therefore, it must urge the Government to take steps, without further delay, to ensure that the Minimum Wage Order no longer provides different wages for male and female workers. The Committee also asks the Government to provide a copy of the revisions once they are adopted. Please also provide copies of any other minimum wage orders currently in force for the various trades, industries and occupations, as well as information on the criteria used for fixing the applicable minimum wages.The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
Article 3 of the Convention. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the job evaluation process in the public sector is currently under review, and that consultants have been engaged for this purpose. The Government states, however, that there is no pay discrimination in the public service, and that women hold the majority of managerial positions. It notes further the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour encourages job evaluation in the private sector. The Committee asks the Government to keep it apprised of developments in the review of the public sector job evaluation process, and hopes that ensuring equal remuneration for women and men for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention and section 27 of the Employment Act, 1999, will be an explicit objective of the review process. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken to promote objective job evaluation in the private sector. The Committee would also welcome receiving statistics regarding the number of women and men in the various levels of the public sector, including the civil service, as well as for the private sector, if possible, with specific reference to the earnings levels.
Article 4. Cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it seeks to address issues of the value of jobs, for example in the collective agreement of the Grenada Ports Authority, and the Grenada Electricity Services. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to assist in addressing the issues of “equal value” with respect to the Grenada Ports Authority and the Grenada Electricity Services. Please also provide information on any other steps taken to give effect to the principle of the Convention through cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations, including through training or awareness raising on the principle.
Enforcement. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there have been no cases submitted in violation of section 27 of the Employment Act. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the nature, number and outcome of any cases on unequal remuneration. Please also provide information on any violations of section 27 brought to the attention of the Department of Labour, and any activities undertaken to increase the awareness of the judiciary and the labour inspectorate of the principle of the Convention.
Discriminatory Minimum Wage Order. The Committee previously raised concerns regarding the discriminatory nature of the Minimum Wage Order SRO 11 (2002), which provides different wages for female and male agricultural workers. The Committee noted previously that the Grenada Employers’ Federation and the Grenada Trade Union Council had agreed with the Committee’s comments and that the Department of Labour had proposed an amendment to provide for the same wage rate for male and female agricultural workers. The Committee regrets that the Government has not replied to the Committee’s previous observation on this matter and, therefore, it must urge the Government to take steps, without further delay, to ensure that the Minimum Wage Order no longer provides different wages for male and female workers. The Committee also asks the Government to provide a copy of the revisions once they are adopted. Please also provide copies of any other minimum wage orders currently in force for the various trades, industries and occupations, as well as information on the criteria used for fixing the applicable minimum wages.
The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.
1. Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that the documentation provided by the Government (“Performance Appraisal for the Public Service”) concerns the assessment of the performance of individual employees rather than objective job evaluation as referred to in Article 3 of the Convention (i.e. an evaluation of the tasks of the different positions on the basis of objective criteria). The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate how it promotes objective job evaluation in the public sector, and also to provide information on the measures taken to promote the use of objective job evaluation methods in the private sector as a means of ensuring that jobs in which women predominate are not undervalued.
2. Article 4. Cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations. In its 2006 general observation, the Committee stressed the importance of awareness raising and training on the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and the practical aspects of its implementation, such as the use of objective job evaluation methods. The Committee, therefore, asks the Government to seek the cooperation of workers’ and employers’ organizations with a view to undertaking concrete and practical steps to actively promote equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, including through training activities. Please indicate in your next report any developments in this regard.
3. Enforcement. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that no judicial or administrative decisions involving questions of the principle relating to the application of the Convention have been issued. It asks the Government to provide information on the number, nature and outcome of any court cases brought under section 27 of the Employment Act, as well as information on the activities of the Department of Labour to ensure compliance with this provision, including the number and nature of infringements found in the context of inspections.
4. Statistics. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide statistical information on earnings, disaggregated by sex as far as possible, as set out in the Committee’s 1998 general observation on the Convention.
1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Legislative developments. Recalling its previous comments concerning the differential wage rates for female and male agricultural workers provided for under the Minimum Wage Order SRO 11 (2002), the Committee notes that both the Grenada Employers’ Federation and the Grenada Trade Union Council agreed with the Committee’s comments and that the Department of Labour proposed an amendment to provide for the same wage rate for male and female agricultural workers. The Committee asks the Government to ensure that the Minimum Wage Order no longer specifically refers to “male workers” and “female workers” and that all designations for workers in the different occupations are gender-neutral. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of the revised 2002 Minimum Wage Order, as soon as it is adopted. The Committee also asks the Government to provide copies of any other minimum wage orders currently in force for the various trades, industries and occupations, as well as information on the criteria used for fixing the applicable minimum wages.
2. Public sector. The Committee notes that the Government has not yet replied to the Committee’s repeated requests for information on how remuneration is determined for persons working in the public sector. It asks the Government to provide this information in its next report, including information on how the principle of the Convention is taken into consideration in this context.
3. Collective agreements. The Committee notes the examples of collective agreements provided by the Government, many of which contain specific clauses providing for equal pay for men and women, in accordance with job grades and classifications. The Committee asks the Government to indicate how it is ensuring that the principle of the Convention is included in public sector collective agreements and promoted in private sector collective agreements. Please also provide information on measures taken to ensure job classifications and the grade structure are established in accordance with the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value, including through the use of objective job evaluation.
The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.
1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Public sector. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that there were no regulations governing the remuneration of public sector workers. Please provide further information on how remuneration is determined for persons working in the public sector, including the civil service.
2. Minimum wages. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not include the information requested in its previous comment. It therefore asks the Government once again to provide copies of the minimum wage orders currently in force for the various trades, industries and occupations, as well as information on the criteria used for fixing the applicable minimum wages.
3. Collective agreements. The copies of collective agreements mentioned in the report were not attached. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide the examples of collective agreements with its next report, as well as indications on the specific measures taken by employers’ and workers’ organizations to achieve equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value through such agreements.
4. Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that the documentation concerning the methods for job evaluation applied in the public sector referred to in the Government’s report was not attached. It therefore asks the Government to provide this information in its next report, as well as information on any measures taken to promote the use of objective job evaluation methods in the private sector as a means of ensuring that jobs in which women predominate are not undervalued.
5. Article 4. Cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Labour Advisory Board has not yet dealt with any matters pertaining to the principle of equal remuneration. It recalls that measures are required to apply the Convention not only in law, but also in practice. In this regard, the Committee stresses the importance of awareness-raising and training on the Convention’s principle and on the specific measures available to promote and ensure its application. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to seek the cooperation of workers’ and employers’ organizations for the purpose of giving effect to the Convention, including through awareness-raising and training activities.
6. Enforcement. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that no judicial or administrative decisions involving questions of the principle relating to the application of the Convention have been issued. It asks the Government to provide information on the number, nature and outcome of any court cases brought under section 27 of the Employment Act, as well as information on the activities of the Department of Labour to ensure compliance with this provision, including the number and nature of infringements found in the context of inspections.
7. Statistics. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide statistical information on earnings disaggregated by sex, as far as possible, as set out in the Committee’s 1998 general observation on the Convention.
Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Differential minimum wage for male and female agricultural workers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Minimum Wage Order S.R.O. 11 (2002), setting the minimum wage for male agricultural workers at $5 per hour and for female agricultural workers at $4.75, is in direct contravention of the Convention as the rates are based on the sex of the worker. In its report, the Government states that the Order also provides that, where female workers perform the same tasks as men, they shall receive the same rate as men. While the Committee notes that wage differentials established on the basis of job-related, objective and non-discriminatory criteria are permitted, it emphasizes that the Order in question establishes different rates for men and women based expressly on sex, which is contrary to the Convention. It asks the Government to take the necessary steps to amend the Order accordingly and to provide information on the progress made concerning this matter in its next report.
The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:
1. The Committee notes that section 27 of the Employment Act requires that every employer shall pay male and female employees equal remuneration for work of equal value, and that the definition of "remuneration" contained in the Act is very broad. It also notes with appreciation that this provision would seem to reflect fully the Convention’s principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value.
2. Nevertheless, the Committee notes with concern that Minimum Wage Order S.R.O. 11 (2002), which sets forth minimum wages for male and female workers working in the areas of agriculture, catering, construction, domestic employment, industry, security and shops, sets the minimum wage for male agricultural workers at $5.00 per hour while setting that for female agricultural workers at $4.75. The Committee notes that this Order is in direct contravention of the Convention as the rates are based on the sex of the worker, and asks the Government to amend the Order accordingly.
3. The Committee notes that the Employment Act provides for the creation, where needed by a specific trade, industry or occupation, of a wages advisory committee that is to formulate minimum wage recommendations, and that such recommendations may result in minimum wage orders being issued by the Minister. It also notes that each such committee is to comprise an equal number of worker organization members, employer organization members, and representatives of other interests. With respect to this provision, the Committee asks the Government: (1) for copies of the orders currently in force for each such committee; and (2) for details, including the criteria employed for fixing applicable minimum wages, and any applicable input from worker and employer organizations, with respect to those trades, industries or occupations where no such committee exists.
4. The Committee asks the Government to supply copies of any regulations governing the remuneration of workers in the public sector.
5. The Committee notes the Government’s assertion that "the principles of non-discrimination and equal pay for equal work are embodied in all the collective agreements between employers and workers". It asks the Government: (1) to confirm that in fact these agreements guarantee not only equal remuneration for equal work as between men and women, but equal remuneration for work of equal value as between men and women; (2) to provide copies of collective agreements currently in force, in both the private and the public sectors; and (3) to indicate the measures taken by employers’ and workers’ organizations to achieve equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value through those agreements.
6. The Committee notes the Government’s explanation that the methods used for appraisals of jobs to be performed include research, surveys, interviews with workers and employers, discussions, analysis and consensus, but adds that the Government does not provide details as to any of these methods. Accordingly, the Committee asks the Government to provide specific information as to how it is undertaking objective job appraisals and what methodologies it uses so as to ensure that jobs in which women dominate are not undervalued.
7. The Committee notes that section 17 of the Employment Act establishes a tripartite Labour Advisory Board whose functions are to formulate and implement national policies on employment conditions, to make proposals for the adoption and amendment of legislation, to review the operation of the Employment Act as well as the Labour Relations Act, 1999, and to promote collective bargaining. It asks the Government for specific information as to the activities of this Board, including any recommendations made as to national policies, and any reviews of legislation and any other matters in so far as they pertain to the principle of equal remuneration as between men and women for work of equal value.
8. The Committee notes that the report contains no information as to any court or administrative decisions involving questions of principle relating to the application of the Convention. It asks the Government to provide decisions of the courts and other applicable bodies, including information about the relevant activities of the Labour Commissioner and the Public Service Commission.
9. The Committee notes that the Government provides little specific information on the practical application of the Convention. It asks the Government to provide such information, regarding both the public and the private sectors. Such information should include information on any measures taken or contemplated: (a) to ensure application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value in the fields in which the Government can exercise direct or indirect influence on determining wages; and (b) to promote application of the principle of equal remuneration in cases where the Government is not involved in wage setting. The information should also include detailed statistical data on earnings disaggregated by sex (as described in the 1998 general observation on the Convention).
The Committee notes the information in the Government’s first report and asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points.