Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Seychelles (Ratification: 1999)

The Committee notes the Government’s very brief report indicating that no significant changes have been noted in the application of the Convention in either law or practice.

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Employment Act is currently under revision. It hopes that the revised legislation will incorporate the comprehensive definition of remuneration set out in Article 1(a) of the Convention, which applies not only to wages but also to any additional emoluments, whether paid directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind, in order to ensure the promotion of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of any developments with regard to the adoption of the said legislation and to provide it with a copy of the revised Act when it has been adopted.

2. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to the remaining points raised in its previous comments. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to include in its next report full information in reply to its previous direct request, which raised the following points:

(a)  Article 2. Principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Employment Policy promotes equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. Unfortunately, no copy of the Employment Policy has been received by the Office. Therefore, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply a copy of the said document with its next report. Please also provide detailed information on the promotional measures adopted or envisaged to ensure the full application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value in both the public and private sectors.

(b)  Determination of wages. Recalling the importance of legislative requirements and guidance in providing a framework of equality when wages are set by collective agreements or otherwise, the Committee asks the Government to indicate in its next report whether any regulations or other measures have been adopted to: (1) establish a minimum wage; or (2) to ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value for men and women. It also asks the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the social partners leading up to the adoption of such measures.

(c)  Article 3. Objective job appraisal. Recalling the Government’s statement that objective job appraisal is envisaged for public servants by the scheme of service and that the same procedure exists for the private sector, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information in its next report on the job appraisal methodology that has been implemented in both the public and private sectors. Please also provide a copy of the scheme of service.

(d)  Part III of the report form. Enforcement. Recalling that according to section 64 of the Employment Act of 1995, workers may initiate a grievance procedure for any disputes between an employer and a worker, the Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on the procedure available for lodging a complaint in both the private and public sectors, and the outcome of any complaints that have been lodged relating to the principle of equal remuneration.

(e)  Part V of the report form. Statistical information. Please supply recent statistical information and provide information on remuneration, disaggregated by occupation and sex, giving a broader picture of the situation in the country with regard to the application of the principle of equal remuneration in all sectors and branches of activity.