Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) - Costa Rica (Ratification: 1979)

The Committee notes the information communicated by the Government in response to its previous observation.

The Committee notes, with satisfaction, the Government's statement to the effect that Act No. 7679 was adopted on 17 July 1997, repealing section 146 of the Labour Code which provided for the establishment of special provisions for the normal working day with regard to certain types of work, and resulted in certain categories of workers receiving a wage which was less than the statutory minimum wage.

In light of the fact that the Government states that the courts guarantee the abolition of practices which extend the limits of the maximum working day beyond those fixed within the framework of the Constitution and enforce the respect of minimal hourly wage rates for road transport workers, fixed by Decree No. 26537-MTSS of 3 December 1997 respecting minimum wage rates, the Committee requests the Government to inform it of the measures taken to abolish the above practices and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Convention, in particular, with the provisions concerning the minimum wage rates established. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide, in conformity with Article 2, paragraph 1, in conjunction with Article 5 of the Convention and point V of the report form, general information relative to the practical application of the Convention, including its application in such sectors as the agricultural sector, the reports of the inspection services (for example: the violations observed, sanctions imposed, etc.).