Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Egypt (Ratification: 1960)

Articles 1(b) and 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Work of equal value. Legislation. The Committee had pointed out previously that, while section 35 of the Labour Law No. 12 of 2003 prohibits discrimination in wages based, among other grounds, on sex, and while section 88 is a general non-discrimination provision applying specifically to women workers where their working conditions are similar (or analogous), neither section gives effect to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value set out in the Convention. The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not contain any information in this regard and merely refers to its previous replies in which it referred to the Constitution (general prohibition of discrimination), and to pending draft amendments to the Labour Law. The Committee, once again highlights 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 as 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 the 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraphs 673–675). The Committee once again asks the Government to take the necessary steps to amend the relevant provisions of the Labour Law No. 12 of 2003, so as to provide not only for equal remuneration for men and women where their working conditions are similar or analogous but also to ensure equal remuneration for men and women in situations where they perform different work, requiring different skills, qualifications, efforts and responsibilities, and with different working conditions, that is nevertheless of equal value overall. It asks the Government to provide information on any steps taken in this regard.

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