Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2009, publiée 99ème session CIT (2010)

Convention (n° 100) sur l'égalité de rémunération, 1951 - Ethiopie (Ratification: 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:

Definition of remuneration. The Committee notes the Government’s explanation to the effect that the term “remuneration” in section 14(1)(b) of Labour Proclamation No. 277/2003 was meant to cover all elements of remuneration as defined in Article 1(a) of the Convention while the term “wage” in section 53 was narrower as its purpose was to define the basis of the calculation of the amount of severance pay.

Work of equal value. The Committee recalls that, while sections 14 and 87 of the Labour Proclamation prohibit discrimination based on sex in respect of remuneration, these provisions do not specify that equal remuneration is required for men and women performing work of equal value, as envisaged under the Convention. The Committee, therefore, requested the Government to indicate whether and how the legislation guarantees equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. In reply, the Government states that a woman who is discriminated against in respect of remuneration can lodge a complaint with the labour inspection service. However, the Government has not yet indicated whether and how the legislation provides for equal remuneration for work of equal value. In this context, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to its 2006 general observation in which it stressed that the concept of work of equal value includes but goes 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, i.e. equal remuneration for men and women for equal or the same work, but also equal remuneration for work that is different, but nevertheless of equal value. The Committee asks the Government to state whether under the Labour Proclamation equal remuneration is claimed in cases where men and women perform different work, which is nevertheless of equal value, and to indicate whether consideration is being given to including the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value in the legislation. In addition, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on any equal remuneration cases dealt with by the labour inspectorate or the courts, indicating the underlying facts and outcomes of the cases.

Civil service. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that salaries for public service employees are based on the requirements of the work to be performed. However, the Government has not yet provided information on how the level of remuneration for the different categories and posts is established and how the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, as explained above, is taken into account. The Committee is, therefore, bound to reiterate its request to the Government to provide this information in its next report. Please also state whether the Civil Service Commission has received any equal remuneration complaints.

Collective bargaining. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that under Ethiopian labour law any matter relating to working conditions could be subject to collective bargaining, including equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on or examples of collective agreements that provide for the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to the Committee’s previous comments on this matter. The Committee, therefore, reiterates its request for information on the measures taken to promote the use of objective job evaluation methods.

Promotional measures. As indicated in its 2006 general observation, difficulties in applying the principle of the Convention in law and in practice often result from a lack of understanding of the scope and implications of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The Committee, therefore, asks the Government, in cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations, to promote training and awareness raising of the Convention’s principle among public officials, workers and employers and other relevant target groups, and to indicate any steps taken in this regard.

Statistical information. The Committee asks the Government to provide updated statistical information on the earnings of men and women in the private and public sectors.