Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) - Iraq (Ratification: 1974)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Minimum wage system. The Committee notes the adoption of Order No. 409 of 2008 and Order No. 154 of 2009 which set the new minimum wage rate for the private sector at 12,000 Iraqi dinars (IQD) (approximately US$10.20) per day. The Committee would appreciate receiving a copy of these Orders. In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that in view of the current inflation rate, the consultative committee on the minimum wage is expected to meet soon and make a recommendation on the readjustment of the minimum wage rate. The Committee also notes that according to data published by the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit, the proportion of the population living in extreme poverty increased from 15 per cent in 2005 to 18 per cent in 2008 while food prices increased in the same period by 60 per cent on the average. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide some indication as to whether the current minimum wage level is sufficient to cover workers’ basic needs and to provide a decent standard of living for workers and their families.

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. Adequate inspection. Practical application. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the minimum wage is generally observed and the labour inspection services have not recorded any violation of the relevant legislation. The Committee notes, however, that considerable numbers of migrant workers, especially in the construction sector, are reportedly subjected to abusive practices, including withholding of wages or underpayment. The Committee requests the Government to supply up to-date information on the practical application of the Convention, including for example labour inspection results showing the number of visits carried out, infringements observed and sanctions imposed, the approximate number of workers paid at the minimum wage rate, and statistical data, if available, on the evolution of the minimum wage rate in recent years as compared to the evolution of economic indicators such as the consumer price index in the same period.