Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, as well as the comments of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Comoros Workers (USATC).

1.  The Committee notes from the Government’s brief report that, due to the continuing deterioration of the political, economic and social environment in the country, no progress has been made with regard to the draft decree setting the guaranteed inter-occupational minimum wage (SMIG). It notes the concerns expressed by the USATC in respect of this situation, particularly in the private sector, where the lack of a minimum wage leads to the unilateral fixing of wages by employers with no prior negotiation. The Committee hopes that the process of setting the SMIG, taking into account the requirements of this Convention, will be completed as quickly as possible, and asks the Government to keep it informed of the adoption of the draft decree mentioned.

2.  The Committee reiterates its previous comments concerning the principle of equal remuneration as contained in the Labour Code, which requires equal working conditions, professional qualifications and output (section 97). The Committee recalls that the principle of the Convention calls for equal remuneration between men and women workers for work of equal value. The Convention therefore covers situations where men and women in fact perform jobs that are different, but have equal value. The application of this principle implies a comparison of the tasks involved in different jobs, which necessarily requires the existence of appropriate mechanisms and procedures to ensure that job evaluations are free from all gender-based discrimination. The Committee once again recommends that the Government consider amending its Labour Code with the technical assistance of the Office.

3.  The Committee notes that while the Government’s report of April 2000 cited a document entitled "Toward a national employment policy: Basic information" as an attachment to the report, the document was not received by the Office. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would forward a copy with its next report.