Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Syrian Arab Republic (Ratification: 1957)

Article 2 of the Convention. Application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. In its previous observation, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the fact that wage inequalities between men and women may exist in practice despite the adoption of non-discriminatory laws, rules and regulations governing the determination of wages. The Committee stressed the importance of determining the nature, extent and causes of wage inequalities existing in practice, in order to identify specific measures to address these inequalities.

While noting that the Government does not provide information on any measures taken in this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s request for ILO technical assistance to help it undertake the necessary studies, in collaboration with the social partners. The Committee also notes that the Government refers to an occupational classification system approved by an order of the Council of Ministers. The Committee again urges the Government to undertake the necessary studies to determine the nature, extent and causes of inequalities in remuneration existing in practice between men and women for work of equal value in the public and private sectors, and to identify specific measures to address these inequalities. The Committee also encourages the Government to take steps to obtain any necessary assistance from the Office in this regard. The Committee also asks the Government to provide full information on the occupational classification system referred to in its report, including information on the criteria used to ensure that this classification system is free from gender bias.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.