Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

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

Addressing the gender remuneration gap. The Committee notes that the overall gender remuneration (gross hourly earnings) gap further decreased from 22.8 per cent in 2007 to 21.3 per cent in 2009. It also notes the Government’s indication that the project “Actions for reducing the gender pay gap” was introduced in the National Operational Programme in 2010, and that the implementation of the first action was initiated in 2011. It further notes the Government’s indication that a series of specialized training programmes for the labour inspectors, including the preparation of manuals for the enforcement of legislation will follow, and that guides, manuals and tools will be developed and training activities will be organized for the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations in 2013. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the project “Actions for reducing the gender pay gap”, including information on manuals and tools developed, and the results achieved. Recalling the Government’s previous indication that employers’ and workers’ organizations had been invited to examine the compliance of collective agreements with equal pay provisions, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard. Please also continue to provide statistical data on the gender remuneration gap in respect of gross hourly earnings, as well as specific information on the earnings of men and women in the private and public sectors.

Job evaluation systems. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the development of job evaluation tools will be promoted during the second term of 2012 under the project “Actions for reducing the gender pay gap”. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any progress made to promote and develop tools for objective job evaluation under the project “Actions for reducing the gender pay gap”, as well as on action taken to support the social partners in undertaking objective job evaluation exercises free from gender bias, and the results achieved.

Minimum wages. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the minimum wages increases in 2011, as well as the expansion of their coverage to cleaners of business buildings in addition to employees with sanitation and caring duties, have contributed to reducing the gender pay gap. Please continue to provide information on any future minimum wages increases, particularly in sectors in which women are predominantly employed, and their impact on the gender pay gap.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that four complaints concerning equal pay were submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman during the period 2008–11, while no complaints were submitted under the complaints mechanism of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. It also notes the Government’s indication that a consultant to be appointed will promote specific measures aimed at raising awareness regarding the existing complaints mechanisms, with a view to eliminating hesitation in filing complaints. The Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information on the contents of the awareness-raising activities on complaint mechanisms, as well as any measures taken to make the complaint mechanisms more accessible to the general public. Please continue to provide information on the practical application of Act No. 38(I) of 2009 (Amendment) regarding equal remuneration between men and women for the same work and for work of equal value, including complaints concerning violations of the equal remuneration legislation brought before the competent bodies and the courts.