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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Colombia (RATIFICATION: 1969)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, including the attachments.

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not aware of any ruling by courts concerning violations of the principle of equality in employment and occupation. The Committee notes the Annual Report on the Basic Activities of the Special Labour Inspection, Supervision and Control Unit for the period January December 2000. The Committee notes that a total of 3,436 complaints were submitted concerning employment discrimination against women, with 80 per cent of them being in Cauca. The Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on these cases, and particularly the number of them which reach the courts and the manner in which they are resolved, with an indication of the measures that are being taken to prevent discrimination against women in employment and occupation in this and other territories.

2. The Committee also notes that 186 applications were submitted for the termination of the employment of pregnant women. Of these, conciliation was undertaken in 39 cases, authorizations were provided for 27 of them and 32 applications were denied. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the 34 remaining cases in which applications were submitted for the termination of the employment of pregnant women, for which no indications are provided in the table. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to the various rulings handed down concerning pregnant women workers, maternity leave and discrimination on grounds of sex. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information in future reports on any case which arises concerning these matters.

3. The Committee also notes the statistics provided by the Government concerning employment in Colombia in 1999 and 2000. The Committee notes that unemployment among women has increased by 3.5 per cent as a proportion of total unemployment since the previous year, with the rate for men falling by 3.5 per cent. It notes that since 1996 the number of unemployed women has increased from 308,000 to 681,000 in seven metropolitan areas. It also notes that the highest incidence of unemployment among women is concentrated in the commercial sector, communal and social services and industry. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to promote the access of women to the labour market.

4. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the operative plan of the National Training Service (SENA) and requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the activities undertaken to promote the economic participation of women and to offer training to the population groups with the highest rates of unemployment, and particularly women. With reference to training activities, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of the curricula of the courses. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide information on the activities that are being carried out by the Permanent Dialogue Commission on Wage and Labour Policies concerning the principle of non discrimination in employment and occupation.

5. The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information on the programmes and projects implemented under Act No. 508 of 1999, establishing the Plan for Equality between Men and Women, including the programmes and projects for women in different territorial areas, and particularly for those in rural areas or who are displaced. The Committee reiterates its request and also asks the Government to report on the application of the plan in practice.

6. The Committee also notes that the Government has not responded to the request for information on the national policy and practical measures adopted to promote the principle of equality in employment and occupation in relation to the Afro Colombian population. The Committee reiterates it requests and would also be grateful for the provision of statistical data on the skills levels and incomes of the above population.