Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Sierra Leone (Ratification: 1968)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on equality, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine the Conventions Nos 100 (equal remuneration) and 111 (discrimination in employment and occupation) together.

Convention No. 111 – National policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation

Articles 1, 2 and 3. Anti-discrimination legislation and national equality policy. The Committee welcomes the adoption of legislative measures introducing comprehensive anti-discrimination provisions, notably: (1) The Employment Act, 2023, which defines the protected grounds of discrimination to include “colour, disability, political opinion, national extraction, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexuality, sex, membership of a trade union, organization or social origin” (section 1); prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation (section 17); and proscribes violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, in the world of work (section 15); and (2) The Employment Regulations, 2023, which give effect to the principles set forth in the Employment Act by operationalizing equality of opportunity and treatment in recruitment and conditions of employment, and by allocating the burden of proof to the employer in discrimination proceedings (Regulation 64(5)–(6)). The Committee further notes the adoption of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022, which mandates the implementation of measures to enhance women’s participation in employment and decision-making, including through the establishment of minimum representation thresholds, the provision of equal access to vocational training, and guarantees concerning the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value (Part III). The Act also establishes institutional mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on progress achieved (Part V). The Committee notes that the National Employment Policy (2020–24) reaffirms the principle of “equal remuneration for work of equal value between men and women” under its sixth pillar, entitled “Enhancing Labour Standards and Social Dialogue for Decent Work”. The Committee observes that the Policy is due for revision. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on: (i) the status of the revision of the National Employment Policy (2020–24); (ii) the measures adopted to give full effect to the Employment Act, 2023, the Employment Regulations, 2023, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022; and (iii) the concrete results achieved to date in promoting equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Articles 1(1)(a). Discrimination based on sex. Notwithstanding the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022, the Committee notes with concern the statement of the Government, in its report, that “male workers are preferred in respect of certain employments and occupations”. The Committee recalls that, under the Convention, Member States are required to pursue a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation, with a view to eliminating any discrimination based on sex. The Committee further recalls that gender stereotypes and occupational segregation constitute major and persistent obstacles to achieving gender equality in employment and occupation and tend to be perpetuated across all stages of working life. It also recalls that, while protective measures may be legitimate when aimed at safeguarding maternity or ensuring occupational safety and health, a general preference for male workers cannot be considered a protective measure; rather, it constitutes a restriction that perpetuates inequality and runs counter to the principle of equal opportunity and treatment for men and women enshrined in the Convention (2012 General Survey on Fundamental Conventions, para. 840).The Committee therefore requests to clarify the types of employment restricted to men only, and the manner in which this is determined. It also requests for detailed information on: (i) any measures taken or envisaged to address gender stereotypes and discriminatory customary practices that restrict women’s access to certain employments and occupations; and (ii) any implementing regulations or institutional arrangements adopted pursuant to the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022, aimed at promoting substantive equality between men and women in employment and occupation.

Article 1(1)(b). Additional grounds. Disability. The Committee notes that, during the implementation of the previous National Development Plan (2019–23), progress was made in developing policies and implementing interventions for persons with disabilities, including cash transfer support (reported at 35 per cent coverage), and distribution of revenue-generating assets to support economic empowerment. It further notes that the 2024–30 Medium-Term National Development Plan envisages a comprehensive review and implementation of disability-related laws and policies and the scaling-up of livelihood support to promote self-reliance. At the same time, the Government acknowledges weak implementation of the Persons with Disability Act, 2011, significant data gaps to guide interventions, and persistent stigma and negative perceptions, which continue to hinder the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment and occupation. Noting the persistent challenges identified by the Government, the Committee requests information on progress made to address these obstacles and to achieve the targets set in the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–30 concerning the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment and occupation. It also requests information on any promotional or awareness-raising activities planned or undertaken to combat negative public perceptions of persons with disabilities.

Article 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. Access to employment and occupation, and education. The Committee notes the information contained in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–30), on measures undertaken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women in employment and occupation, such as: (1) the Bank of Sierra Leone’s 2021–22 directives to promote gender-neutral lending; (2) priorities for women’s access to finance in the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion II; (3) a Finance Act, 2021 tax incentive for firms increasing women’s representation in leadership positions; and (4) the 2022 adjustment of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) threshold providing relief to microenterprises, many of which are women-led. Nonetheless, the Committee notes that, according to the 2023 Gender Inequality Index from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), labour force participation is 48.5 per cent for women and 74.1 per cent for men – a gap of 25.6 percentage points. Furthermore, the Committee notes the absence of the previously requested information on measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for women rural workers, as well as the lack of information on measures adopted to promote greater access of girls to education and school retention. Therefore, the Committee requests information on the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–30), and results achieved. It also reiterates its requests for information on measures adopted to: (i) promote equality of opportunity and treatment for women rural workers, including any measures directed at ensuring the access, without discrimination, to the material goods and services required to carry out their occupations, such as access to land, credit facilities, markets, and training opportunities; and (ii) promote greater access of girls to education, and retention in school and return to school in case of pregnancy.

Convention No. 100 – Principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value

Articles 1 and 2. Principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. Legislation. The Government reports the adoption of the Employment Act, 2023 and the Employment Regulations of 2023, alongside the Wages and Compensation Commission Act, 2023. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication that section 18(1) of the Employment Act, 2023 requires employers to pay equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value and to conduct objective job evaluation exercises to ensure the application of this principle, with penalties in case of non-compliance. The Committee further notes that the Employment Act, 2022’s definition of “remuneration” in section 1 (‘the ordinary, basic or minimum wage or salary and any additional emoluments whatsoever payable directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind, by an employer to a worker, arising out of the worker’s employment’) supports a broad understanding of remuneration consistent with the Convention. Nonetheless, the Committee notes that section 5 of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022 mandates employers to ensure ‘equal remuneration for persons of equal skills, competence, expertise and knowledge without discrimination of any kind’ thus offering a narrower standard on equal remuneration, as it limits comparison to same or similar work and personal attributes. The Committee recalls that the Convention’s principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value allows for comparisons across different jobs assessed through objective and gender-neutral factors. (2012 General Survey on fundamental Conventions, para. 675). Consequently,the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how section 5 of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, 2022 and section 18 of the Employment Act, 2023 are harmonized to prevent any narrower interpretation in practice. The Committee also requests for information on complaints, inspections or court cases specifically concerning equal remuneration, including remedies ordered.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. Public sector. The Government indicates that the Wages and Compensation Commission Act, 2023 seeks to harmonize the public sector pay system “to reflect equity and merit”, and that section 12(1)(f) of the Act mandates the Wages and Compensation Commission to develop and ensure a consistent review of the job-evaluation methodology. The Committee further notes the Government’s statement that the job evaluation which informed the Act was conducted in accordance with the Regulations of the Public Procurement Authority, which are the Public Procurement Act of 2016 and the Public Procurement Regulations of 2020. The Committee notes that these pieces of legislation primarily establish the framework for fair, transparent, and accountable procurement by government ministries, departments, and agencies, covering everything from bidding procedures to contract awards and a complaints process. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the specific criteria used for these job evaluations, and measures taken to ensure that they do not reflect or perpetuate gender bias, particularly in the assessment of skills, responsibilities, and working conditions in jobs predominantly performed by women, in line with the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value set out in the Convention.

Conventions Nos 100 and 111 – Application in practice

Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is not yet in a position to provide sex-disaggregated earnings statistics, and that it is consulting with Statistics Sierra Leone and would welcome ILO technical assistance. The Committee also notes that the Employment Act, 2023 provides several legal bases that can facilitate the regular production of labour market and earnings statistics, such as: (1) the duty of employers to notify the Commissioner regarding job vacancies for labour market information (section 22); (2) the power of the Commissioner to require employers to complete statistical questionnaires covering “workers employed or recruited…, the rates of wages and other conditions of service” (section 24); and (3) the obligation to prepare annual reports containing employment and inspection statistics (sections 8 and 29). Consequently, the Committee requests the Government to report on the operationalization of sections 8, 22, 24 and 29 and results achieved, as well as other interim or administrative measures to collect labour force information, while the labour force survey capacity is being strengthened.

Awareness-raising. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that awareness-raising continues under the National Employment Policy (2020–24), including workshops, Labour Day outreach and the weekly “Labour Hour” radio programme. The Committee recalls that public awareness-raising is essential to address prejudices and stereotypes regarding the professional abilities and aspirations of certain groups, which lead to exclusion and discrimination in society and the labour market (2012 General Survey on fundamental Conventions, para. 856).In this context, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on these activities, including: (i) objectives, content and target groups (employers, workers, labour inspectors, public officials, women’s organizations, persons with disabilities, rural and informal economy workers); (ii) geographic and linguistic coverage; (iii) materials developed (guides, radio scripts, social media content, and helplines); (iv) implementing partners; and (v) results and impact (participation data disaggregated by sex and sector, pre/post-knowledge assessments, number of related enquiries or complaints, and any policy or practice changes).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value in law. Previously, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the status of the draft Labour Act. It also requested the Government to take the necessary measures to raise awareness of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value among workers, employers, labour officials and judges, such as disseminating training material and organizing specific training sessions. The Committee notes that in its report the Government provides information about the withdrawal of various Labour Bills and indicates that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is currently discussing the matter with the social partners. The Government also indicates that the MLSS conducts awareness-raising activities on the principle of the Convention. The Committee further notes that the National Employment Policy 2020-2024 includes the promotion of “equal remuneration for work of equal value for both men and women” under its sixth pillar “Enhance Labour Standards and Social dialogue for Decent Work”. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any new development concerning the drafting and adoption of the draft Labour Act. It also asks the Government to provide information on the implementation of the National Employment Policy in so far as the principle of the Convention is concerned, including information on any promotional activities undertaken in collaboration with the social partners.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. Public sector. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government: (1) to provide information on the progress made in the establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission, and the adoption of the bill on wages and compensation; (2) to supply information on any job evaluation exercise carried out and the establishment of a new pay structure; and (3) to indicate how it is ensured that job evaluation exercises are free from gender bias and that skills typically identified with women are not overlooked or undervalued. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Wages and Compensation Bill awaits debate and subsequent enactment in Parliament. The Government also states that the Bill is the result of a job evaluation exercise. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the status of the Wages and Compensation Bill and on the job evaluation undertaken in connection with the drafting of the Bill, including information on the steps taken to ensure that the job evaluation was free from gender bias and that skills typically identified with women were not overlooked or undervalued.

Statistics. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide statistical information, disaggregated by gender, on the labour market and the remuneration of workers, with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that it is not in a position to provide such information due to the limited capacity to collect it through the regular undertaking of labour force surveys. It recalls the importance of statistical information to determine the nature, extent and causes of unequal remuneration, to set priorities and design appropriate measures, to monitor and evaluate the impact of such measures, and make any necessary adjustments. The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply statistics on the earnings of men and women in the various sectors and occupations of the economy in the near future and reminds the Government of the possibility to avail itself of ILO technical assistance in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to the questions of the report form. It notes, however, that the Government did not reply to the requests the Committee made in its previous comment. The Committee is therefore bound to repeat these requests, insofar as is necessary in view of the information provided and developments at the national level.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value in law. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that a draft Labour Act was prepared in 2017 and submitted to the ILO for technical comments. Hoping that the new Labour Act would soon be adopted, the Committee asked the Government to take the necessary measures to raise awareness of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value among workers, employers, labour officials and judges. The Committee, with reference to its comments under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), notes that the new Labour Act has not yet been adopted. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the status of the Labour Bill. It also reiterates its requests to the Government to take the necessary measures to raise awareness of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value among workers, employers, labour officials and judges, such as disseminating training material and organizing specific training sessions.

Objective job evaluation. Public sector. Previously, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the progress made in job evaluation exercises and the establishment of a new pay structure and to indicate how it was ensured that this evaluation was free from gender bias and that skills typically identified with women were not overlooked or undervalued. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the above issues. It notes, however, that the President of the Republic, in his address to Parliament of 28 May 2020, indicated that a Wages and Compensation Commission, which would address equity in pay and compensation in the public sector, was being established and that a draft bill had been submitted to Cabinet for approval. The Committee also notes the information contained in the inception report on the establishment of a Wages and Compensation Commission, available on the website of the Public Sector Reform Unit. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission, and the adoption of the bill on wages and compensation. It reiterates its request for information on any job evaluation exercise carried out and the establishment of a new pay structure. The Committee asks the Government to indicate how it is ensured that job evaluation exercises are free from gender bias and that skills typically identified with women are not overlooked or undervalued.

Statistics. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication, in its report dated April 2019 on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+25 report), that over the next five years, the main priorities for strengthening statistical gender statistics include the establishment of an inter-agency coordination mechanism on gender statistics (e.g., technical working group, inter-agency committee); the re-processing of existing data to produce more disaggregated and/or new gender statistics; and capacity building of users to increase the use of gender statistics. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information, disaggregated by gender, on the labour market and the remuneration of workers, with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value in law. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the labour legislation is currently under review and, more specifically, that a draft Labour Act, which reflects the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value, was prepared in 2017 and submitted to the ILO for technical comments. Welcoming the inclusion of the principle of the Convention in the draft Labour Act, the Committee hopes that the Act will be adopted soon and requests the Government to provide a copy once it has been adopted. The Committee also requests the Government to take the necessary measures to raise awareness of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value among workers, employers, labour officials and judges, such as disseminating training material and organizing specific training sessions.

Minimum wage. The Committee recalls that the determination of a minimum wage can be an important means to address the gender pay gap, as it sets a floor for the wage structure to protect low-wage earners and women are often disproportionately represented in lower paid jobs. Therefore, the Committee welcomes the adoption and implementation of an increased minimum wage since 1 January 2015, as indicated in the Government’s report.

Job evaluation. Public sector. The Committee welcomes the approval by the Government of the Multi-Year Public Sector Pay Reform Strategy (2011–15) in 2011. The Committee notes that, according to the information available on the website of the Public Sector Reform Unit, the Strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to reforming public sector pay over the five-year period. The Strategy recognizes that remuneration should be commensurate with the responsibilities of the job, which necessitates the completion of a comprehensive job evaluation and grading exercise before enhanced pay is introduced in a new pay structure. In this regard, a Pay and Performance Project (PPP) supported by the World Bank was launched in 2012 with one of its objectives being “to improve internal equity in pay setting, thereby enabling the Civil Service to attract and retain qualified professionals”. The Committee would like to recall that whatever methods are used for the objective evaluation of jobs, particular care must be taken to ensure that they are free from gender bias. It is important to ensure that the selection of factors for comparison, the weighing of such factors and the actual comparison carried out are not discriminatory, either directly or indirectly. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the job evaluation exercise and the establishment of a new pay structure and to indicate how it is ensured that this evaluation is free from gender bias and that skills typically identified with women are not overlooked or undervalued.

Statistics. The Committee welcomes the publication in September 2015 of the Labour Force Survey Report, which analyses the national labour market. The report shows that, overall, women participate in the labour market almost as much as men (64.7 per cent for women and 65.7 for men). However, women are much less likely than men to be in wage employment (4.5 per cent versus 15.5 per cent among men) and they represent 36.8 per cent in non-agricultural self-employment (24.8 per cent for men). Observing that the Survey does not provide information on the remuneration of workers, the Committee requests the Government to provide any recent information available on the remuneration levels of men and women in the public and private sectors with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap.

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

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes the Government’s statements indicating that it has experienced substantial difficulty applying the Convention due to structural challenges and lack of capacity. The Committee also notes that the Government is seeking ILO technical assistance to review and revise the labour-related legislation. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the progress made with regard to the legislative review, including specific steps taken to give full legislative effect to the principle of the Convention, and any other measures taken or envisaged to promote and ensure equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is in the process of conducting a labour force survey which will serve as a source of information for its new labour laws. The Committee also notes the statistics provided by the Government in its report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which indicated that of the 15,735 employees in the public service in December 2009, 63 per cent were male and 37 per cent were female. The Committee notes that women were significantly underrepresented among the higher grades of the public service, with the proportion of female public employees decreasing from 39 per cent at the junior level to 22 per cent at the middle level and 13 per cent at the senior level (CEDAW/C/SLE/6, 1 November 2012, table 12, paragraph 148). The Committee also notes the statistics provided on employment patterns of women in the private sector which indicate that women were least represented in the construction (4 per cent), trade (11 per cent) and manufacturing (13 per cent) industries (ibid., table 13). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the steps taken to assess the current status of the application of the Convention through data collection, studies and surveys, including information on the remuneration levels of men and women in the public and private sectors with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap. Please also provide information on the progress made on the labour force survey currently under way.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes the Government’s statements indicating that it has experienced substantial difficulty applying the Convention due to structural challenges and lack of capacity. The Committee also notes that the Government is seeking ILO technical assistance to review and revise the labour-related legislation. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the progress made with regard to the legislative review, including specific steps taken to give full legislative effect to the principle of the Convention, and any other measures taken or envisaged to promote and ensure equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Part V of the report form. Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is in the process of conducting a labour force survey which will serve as a source of information for its new labour laws. The Committee also notes the statistics provided by the Government in its report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which indicated that of the 15,735 employees in the public service in December 2009, 63 per cent were male and 37 per cent were female. The Committee notes that women were significantly underrepresented among the higher grades of the public service, with the proportion of female public employees decreasing from 39 per cent at the junior level to 22 per cent at the middle level and 13 per cent at the senior level (CEDAW/C/SLE/6, 1 November 2012, table 12, paragraph 148). The Committee also notes the statistics provided on employment patterns of women in the private sector which indicate that women were least represented in the construction (4 per cent), trade (11 per cent) and manufacturing (13 per cent) industries (ibid., table 13). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the steps taken to assess the current status of the application of the Convention through data collection, studies and surveys, including information on the remuneration levels of men and women in the public and private sectors with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap. Please also provide information on the progress made on the labour force survey currently under way.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes the Government’s statements indicating that it has experienced substantial difficulty applying the Convention due to structural challenges and lack of capacity. The Committee also notes that the Government is seeking ILO technical assistance to review and revise the labour-related legislation. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the progress made with regard to the legislative review, including specific steps taken to give full legislative effect to the principle of the Convention, and any other measures taken or envisaged to promote and ensure equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Part V of the report form. Statistics. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it is in the process of conducting a labour force survey which will serve as a source of information for its new labour laws. The Committee also notes the statistics provided by the Government in its report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, which indicated that of the 15,735 employees in the public service in December 2009, 63 per cent were male and 37 per cent were female. The Committee notes that women were significantly underrepresented among the higher grades of the public service, with the proportion of female public employees decreasing from 39 per cent at the junior level to 22 per cent at the middle level and 13 per cent at the senior level (CEDAW/C/SLE/6, 1 November 2012, table 12, paragraph 148). The Committee also notes the statistics provided on employment patterns of women in the private sector which indicate that women were least represented in the construction (four per cent), trade (11 per cent) and manufacturing (13 per cent) industries (ibid., table 13). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the steps taken to assess the current status of the application of the Convention through data collection, studies and surveys, including information on the remuneration levels of men and women in the public and private sectors with a view to evaluating the gender pay gap. Please also provide information on the progress made on the labour force survey currently under way.

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

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (i) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (ii) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (iii) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes with regret that once again the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (i) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (ii) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (iii) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (i) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (ii) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (iii) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (1) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (2) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (3) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

2. The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (1) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (2) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (3) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

2. The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (1) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (2) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (3) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

2. The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (1) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (2) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (3) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. Articles 1 to 3 of the Convention. Application in law and practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Draft Employment Act, prepared with ILO assistance, has not yet been finalized due to structural difficulties and lack of capacity. The Government also indicates that the same difficulties have prevented the Government from collecting data and preparing surveys, and from undertaking a national evaluation of jobs. The Committee takes note of the Government’s request to the ILO for technical assistance on these issues with a view to promoting and ensuring the application of the Convention and hopes that such assistance could be provided in due course.

2. The Government is asked to continue to provide information on the measures taken: (1) to finalize the ongoing legislative reforms, including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value; (2) to promote objective evaluation of jobs on the basis of the work performed; and (3) to assess the current status of the application of the Convention in the country through data collection, studies and surveys.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that for the seventh consecutive year the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that for the sixth consecutive year the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1.  The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2.  While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes the Government's very short report.

1. The Committee notes with interest the information to the effect that the new draft labour legislation in which the ILO participated (update, revision, codification) has been submitted to the competent legal authorities with a view to finalization and requests the Government to supply a copy of the new Labour Code once it has been adopted and promulgated.

2. While it is aware that there are limits imposed on the adoption of measures to apply the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce, the Committee notes that for several years the Government has not supplied any information on the application of the Convention in practice. Noting that, in most cases, the difficulties encountered by governments having ratified the Convention seem to be caused by lack of knowledge of the actual situation, due to scarcity of data and research, or to ignorance of the principles of job assessment (for more details, see paragraph 248 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration), the Committee wishes to remind the Government that it may always resort to ILO advice and technical assistance to identify the nature and extent of the difficulties and to prepare measures to solve the problems, and to ensure application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, in response to the Committee's previous comments.

1. In particular, the Committee notes that there has been no action taken to introduce gender-neutral provisions concerning the transfer of employees in recent collective agreements concluded by the 14 trade group councils (established by the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act, No. 18 of 1971), despite repeated undertakings by the Government to pursue this matter with the Labour Congress. Moreover, the Committee has observed that no information has been provided for some years concerning the practical application of the Convention. Indeed, the present report indicates that job evaluation does not appear to have been undertaken in either the public or private sectors.

In view of these circumstances - and recognizing the limitations of taking measures pertinent to the application of the Convention when financial and human resources are scarce - the Committee recalls paragraph 248 of its 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration and the comments made in its 1990 general observation concerning this Convention. On both occasions, the Committee remarked upon the difficulties encountered by governments in applying the Convention when the true situation is not known, due to inadequate data and research, or when there is no understanding of the principles of job evaluation, without which it is difficult to determine the relative value of jobs. It also reminded governments of the possibility of obtaining the advice and assistance of the International Labour Office both in regard to identifying the nature and extent of existing difficulties and in devising measures to overcome problems and further the application of the Convention.

2. The Committee has also noted that, following a request of the Government, the International Labour Office provided assistance in the updating, revising and consolidating of labour legislation, the enactment of which would assist the application of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to indicate soon the action taken on the draft legislation; and that it will also consider, perhaps in the context of the Joint Consultative Committee, further strategies that would support the implementation of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the Government's report.

1. With regard to the inclusion in several collective agreements for a number of years now of a provision under which the employer, if the employee is transferred, must pay all the costs incurred by the employee, his wife and up to three children, the Committee notes that, according to the Government, this provision applies to any woman employee who submits her claim, although it is continuing to follow the matter and will bring the Committee's comments to the attention of trade group councils so that the necessary corrective action can be taken. In view of the fact that the Government has been making the same statement since 1985, the Committee trusts that the collective agreements in question will be brought into conformity with established practice in the very near future and that the Government will be in a position to announce the measures taken for this purpose in its next report. It requests the Government to supply with its next report the text of the most recent collective agreements concluded by the 14 trade group councils (which were established by the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act, No. 18 of 1971).

2. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply the decisions of the Joint Consultative Committee fixing minimum wage rates in order to enable it to ascertain the application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. Please specify whether a job evaluation system is currently in use in the public sector and in the private sector.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that several collective agreements contain a provision under which the employer, if the employee is transferred, must pay all the costs incurred by the employee, his wife and three children and that in practice this provision applies to any woman employee who submits her claim (Collective Agreement for the Hotel, Catering and Entertainment Industries, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 3, of 11 January 1982; Collective Agreement for Transport, SLG, Vol. CXIV, No. 24, 28 April 1983; Collective Agreement for Public Utilities, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 61, 16 September 1982).

The Committee noted that the collective agreements entered into in the public sector (SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 95, 15 November 1985; SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 83, 15 October 1985) contain identical provisions. The Government stated in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985 that the comments of the Committee would be communicated to the Trade Group Councils concerned so that they could take note of these during their round of negotiations.

The Committee noted this statement and asks the Government to furnish information on any measures taken to bring the collective agreements into conformity with established practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that several collective agreements contain a provision under which the employer, if the employee is transferred, must pay all the costs incurred by the employee, his wife and three children and that in practice this provision applies to any woman employee who submits her claim (Collective Agreement for the Hotel, Catering and Entertainment Industries, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 3, of 11 January 1982; Collective Agreement for Transport, SLG, Vol. CXIV, No. 24, 28 April 1983; Collective Agreement for Public Utilities, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 61, 16 September 1982).

The Committee noted that the collective agreements entered into in the public sector (SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 95, 15 November 1985; SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 83, 15 October 1985) contain identical provisions. The Government stated in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985 that the comments of the Committee would be communicated to the Trade Group Councils concerned so that they could take note of these during their round of negotiations.

The Committee noted this statement and asks the Government to furnish information on any measures taken to bring the collective agreements into conformity with established practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with regret that for the third consecutive year the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that several collective agreements contain a provision under which the employer, if the employee is transferred, must pay all the costs incurred by the employee, his wife and three children and that in practice this provision applies to any woman employee who submits her claim (Collective Agreement for the Hotel, Catering and Entertainment Industries, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 3, of 11 January 1982; Collective Agreement for Transport, SLG, Vol. CXIV, No. 24, 28 April 1983; Collective Agreement for Public Utilities, SLG, Vol. CXIII, No. 61, 16 September 1982).

The Committee noted that the collective agreements entered into in the public sector (SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 95, 15 November 1985; SLG, Vol. CXVI, No. 83, 15 October 1985) contain identical provisions. The Government stated in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985 that the comments of the Committee would be communicated to the Trade Group Councils concerned so that they could take note of these during their round of negotiations.

The Committee noted this statement and asks the Government to furnish information on any measures taken to bring the collective agreements into conformity with established practice.