Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - United Arab Emirates (Ratification: 1997)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Work of equal value. Legislation. The Committee recalls that section 32 of Federal Act No. 8 of 1980 on Regulation of Labour Relations only provides for equal remuneration between men and women for the same work, which is narrower than the concept of “equal value” provided for in the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft legislation is still under examination but that the proposed amendment (section 33) provides that “a woman shall be entitled to equal remuneration with a man, if she performs work of equal value. Any discrimination which is likely to weaken equal opportunity or jeopardize the equality of women in obtaining and continuing in a job; or in enjoying her rights shall be prohibited. For the purpose of this section, the dismissal of a female worker because of change in family status; pregnancy; delivery; or maternity shall be prohibited”. Recalling that it has been raising this issue for a number of years, the Committee trusts that the draft amendment will soon be adopted and will reflect fully the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, in accordance with the Convention, and requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.

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