Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

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 previously asked the Government to take the necessary measures to bring section 32 of the Federal Act No. 8 of 1980 on Regulation of Labour Relations into conformity with the Convention, as it 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 a draft legislation of the Labour Relations Regulation is still under consideration by the competent national legislative bodies that will take into account the Committee’s comments. The Committee recalls that the concept of “work of equal value” lies at the heart of the fundamental right of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, and the promotion of equality. It permits a broad scope of comparison, including, but going beyond equal remuneration for “equal”, “the same” or “similar” work, and also encompasses work that is of an entirely different nature, which is nevertheless of equal value (see General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraphs 672–679). The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to amend section 32 of Federal Act No. 8 of 1980 to capture the concept of “work of equal value” so as to ensure the effective application of the Convention. Please, provide information on the progress made in this regard.

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