Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Botswana (Ratification: 1997)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report. It asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on the following points.

1. The Committee notes that the Government is currently discussing, in consultation with the social partners, amendments to the legislation in order to align the laws to comply with the principle of the Convention. The Committee recalls the fact that sex discrimination is not prohibited in the national legislation and that this lack of legal protection may result in an impairment in the application of the Convention. The Committee trusts that the future amendments will include the prohibition of sex discrimination in employment, including in remuneration, and will require the payment of equal remuneration between men and women for work of equal value. The Committee asks the Government to supply a copy of the draft amendments or law when adopted.

2. From the wage scale in the public sector supplied with the Government’s report, the Committee notes that in higher paid positions (E and F) women’s participation is less than half of men’s. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that in the public service "determination of wage levels is done through a job evaluation exercise". The Committee urges the Government to supply information on the methodology used in this job evaluation exercise, and reiterates its request for information on the manner in which the Government is trying to equalize wages for work of equal value and reduce the wage gap between men and women in the public sector. Please also continue to provide statistical data on remuneration levels disaggregated by sex and information on the measures taken to promote access by women to positions with higher pay.

3. The Committee notes that the Minimum Wage Advisory Board is competent to recommend fixing or adjusting wages in all sectors of activity. The Committee also notes the information in the Government’s report that "most organizations use internationally recognized job evaluation systems, e.g. Hay Grading System". The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the methodology used by the MWAB for job evaluation exercises, including the specific measures taken to reduce direct and indirect sex bias in the process, in the private sector.

4. The Committee asks the Government to supply statistical data by occupation and levels of remuneration, disaggregated by sex, covering the private sector.

5. The Committee notes that labour inspectors are in charge of the compliance with and application of the relevant labour legislation. Noting that the principle is not contained in the labour law the Committee asks the Government to supply information on the manner in which the requirement of the Convention is supervised and enforced.