Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Cyprus (Ratification: 1987)

1. Gender remuneration gap. The Committee notes that the gender remuneration gap (gross hourly earnings) decreased from 33 per cent in 1994 to 25 per cent in 2002. Between 2002 and 2005 the gap remained at the level of 25 per cent, which is the widest gender remuneration gap in the European Union, according to EUROSTAT data. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide statistical information on the gender remuneration gap in respect of gross hourly earnings, and also information on the earnings of women and men in both the private and the public sectors.

2. The Committee notes that the study on the gender pay gap commissioned by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance was finalized in July 2007. The Government indicates that the study suggested policy measures for reducing the gender pay gap, drawing on international experiences. The findings, conclusions and recommendations addressed to the authorities, enterprises and social partners were being disseminated and the Ministry would promote specific policy measures, following consultations with social partners. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the findings, conclusions and recommendations set out in the abovementioned study and the outcomes of the tripartite consultation thereon, as well as the specific measures taken to follow up on these recommendations. In this context, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote the application of the Convention through the development of objective job evaluation systems, increasing minimum wages, particularly in female‑dominated sectors and through promoting the review of collective agreements, as indicated in the report.

3. Enforcement of the legislation. The Committee notes that the Office of the Ombudsperson has received only one complaint under the Equal Pay Act so far. One complaint by a trade union on equal remuneration in the retail sector was investigated by labour inspectors which led to a settlement by agreement. Noting the Government’s commitment to undertake further awareness raising on the available legal protection against pay discrimination, as well as to enhance the labour inspectorate’s capacity, the Committee asks the Government to indicate the concrete steps taken in this regard. It also asks the Government to continue to provide information on the complaints concerning violations of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value brought before the competent administrative bodies and the courts (facts, rulings, remedies provided or sanctions imposed).