Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1991, publiée 78ème session CIT (1991)

The Committee notes the Government's report and the detailed information that it contains in reply to its previous comments, as well as the documents that are attached.

1. With regard to the Federal Office for Equality between Men and Women, which was set up by the Ordinance of 24 February 1988, the Committee notes that, since it commenced its work on 1 January 1989, it has directed its activities towards many fields including in particular the promotion of women in the world of work. In this connection, the Committee notes the publication of a vade-mecum on equality between men and women in the world of work entitled "The promotion of women, a promise to be kept", and the commencement of various inquiries and studies that are intended to identify the various types of difficulties which impede equality in employment. In particular, the Committee notes with interest that the Office for Equality between Men and Women has undertaken a study in Geneva on sexual harassment at the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to continue to keep it informed of activities related to the promotion of equality of women in employment, the results of current inquiries and, where appropriate, the measures that are envisaged or have been adopted to overcome difficulties.

2. The Committee notes with interest that, after the Cantons of Jura and Geneva, equality offices have been established in the Cantons of St. Gallen, Basel-country, Zurich, Berne and the town of Winterthur and that the trend is for an increase in this movement since other Cantons and towns have announced their intention of doing the same. The Committee requests the Government to describe the practical activities and the results obtained by these offices as regards the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment of women in employment.

3. With reference to the legislative programme for equality between men and women, the Committee notes with interest that draft legislation has been prepared and is currently undergoing the process of consultation at various levels. This draft text includes a prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sex as regards conditions of work as well as measures to facilitate legislation concerning the right to equal remuneration and to strengthen the position and responsibilities of the Federal Office for Equality between Men and Women. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any development in this respect and, in particular, to supply the text of this new legislation when it is adopted.

The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the programme to promote equality between men and women in respect of employment, both as regards legislative changes (such as the amendments proposed by the legislative programme of 26 February 1986 on equality of rights between men and women) and as regards practical achievements in the world of work.

4. The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other aspects of the application of the Convention.