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

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Syrian Arab Republic (Ratification: 1957)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes the complexity of the situation prevailing on the ground and the armed conflict in the country.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Legislative developments. Work of equal value. The Committee previously noted that section 75(a) of the Labour Code of 2010 provides for the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value as enshrined in the Convention. It notes however that section 75(b) defines “work of equal value” as “work that requires equal scientific qualifications and professional skills, as attested by a work experience certificate”. The Committee points out that such a definition restricts the full application of the principle as set out in the Convention. The Committee recalls that the concept of “work for 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. This concept is fundamental to tackling occupational sex segregation in the labour market, which exists in almost every country, 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. Moreover, the Committee recalls that the principle has been applied to compare the remuneration received by men and women engaged in different occupations, such as wardens in sheltered accommodation for the elderly (predominantly women) and security guards in office premises (predominantly men); or school meal supervisors (predominantly women) and garden and park supervisors (predominantly men) (2012 General Survey on Fundamental Conventions, paragraphs 673 and 675).In light of the above, the Committee asks the Government to take the necessary measures to amend section 75(b) of the Labour Code in order to ensure equal remuneration for men and women not only in situations in which they perform the same work, but also in situations in which they carry out work which is different but nevertheless of equal value.

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

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.