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

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Sudan (Ratification: 1970)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s very short report.

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Labour Code of 1997 defines the worker as any person, male or female, and its conclusion that, based on this definition, there is no distinction in wages permitted by the Code. The Committee reiterates that neither this definition, nor any other provision of the Code, contains the principle set forth in Article 1 of the Convention, and it accordingly once again asks the Government if it is considering amending the Code to include the principle in the near future.

2. Noting the Government’s statement that "practice proves" that there is no distinction in wages between men and women, the Committee asks the Government for detailed information as to such practice to enable the Committee to assess the practical application of the principle of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that agricultural and casual workers are exempted from coverage under the Labour Code due to the different nature of their working conditions. The Committee once again reminds the Government that, under the Convention, these groups of workers are entitled to equal remuneration for work of equal value. It also once again reiterates its request to the Government to provide information with its next report on the wages paid to both women and men agricultural workers, as well as on the wages of men and women workers in other sectors.

4. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the public service applies the wage structure according to applicable public service grades without distinction based on sex. It also notes the Government’s assertion that "the percentage of women in the public service is increasing continuously, and in some places it exceeded the percentage of men". The Committee asks the Government to provide information, in its next report, on the job classifications in the public service, as well as on the number of men and women in each occupational classification.

5. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information with its next report on the specific measures taken to improve the status of women workers in the private sector, particularly in the non-traditional occupations and decision-making positions.

6. The Committee reiterates, once again, its request to the Government to provide copies of collective agreements, particularly in sectors where many women work.