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

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Central African Republic (Ratification: 1964)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Principle of equal value and legislation. The Committee recalls that section 96 of Act No. 61/221 of 6 June 1961 issuing the Labour Code provides that the same wage rates are applicable to men and women workers employed in equal and similar posts. Noting from the Government’s report under Convention No. 111 that there exists a proposed new Labour Code, the Committee hopes that the new Labour Code will ensure the full application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on the progress made on the adoption of the new Labour Code and to supply a copy of it once it has been enacted.

2. Minimum wages. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Decree No. 91.190 of 19 July 1991 and Decision No. 002/MFPTSS/CAB/DGSFP/DERE of 26 August 1991, establish the guaranteed minimum inter-occupational wage (SMIG) and the guaranteed minimum wage in agriculture (SMAG), in sectors not covered by collective agreements. It asks the Government to provide copies of collective agreements ensuring the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, with an indication of the sectors and the numbers of workers covered by such collective agreements.

3. Objective job appraisal. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that all objective job appraisals ensure equal remuneration for men and women workers, particularly when the work carried out is identical. The Committee is bound to reiterate that the principle of the Convention calls for equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, which also covers situations where men and women in fact perform jobs that are different, but are of equal value. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information on the methodology used, the appraisal of jobs for purposes of fixing wage rates and on other allowances in the public sector. Please also provide information on job appraisals that have been undertaken in the private sector.

4. Part III of the report form. Application of the provisions giving effect to the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the application of the Convention is ensured by labour inspection. Recalling that in its comments in relation to Convention No. 81, the Committee has expressed concern as to the lack of material resources available for the labour inspection services; it trusts that the Government will make every effort to obtain assistance to strengthen the labour inspection services.

5. Part V of the report form. Statistical information. The Committee notes the statement in the Government’s report that the archives of statistical information were destroyed during the recent unrest in the country. It hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to collect statistical information on wage levels, disaggregated by sex, and that it will soon be able to provide the available data so that the Committee can evaluate adequately the nature, extent and causes of wage differentials between men and women workers.