Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Mali (RATIFICATION: 1968)

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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Gender pay gaps. Occupational segregation. The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it requested the Government to provide information on the steps taken to combat the occupational segregation of men and women, including measures to increase women’s presence in occupations or sectors of the economy where men predominate, to encourage the advancement of women to managerial posts and to combat sexist stereotypes regarding women’s occupational aspirations and capabilities. In its report, the Government indicates that there is no legislative provision that discriminates between men and women regarding their inalienable right to work and remuneration. The Committee reminds the Government that the existence of appropriate domestic legislation is a necessary prerequisite, but is not sufficient for the effective application of the principles of the Convention. It is also important that the law be fully and strictly applied in practice. In this regard, the Committee notes that, in its 2019 report to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW64, Beijing+25), the Government recognizes that among the obstacles faced by women in terms of growth and development is segregation in the labour market. It indicates that only 28.3 per cent of employed women are wage earners (in kind or cash) compared to 55.7 per cent of men, and that Malian women earn more than their husbands in only 5.2 per cent of households where both spouses are wage earners. It adds that women’s low skills levels or the jobs they perform, the disparities in time spent on market economic activities (as opposed to non-market economic activities, for example domestic work such as carrying water or wood, cooking or subsistence farming), under-employment and precarious jobs mean that women are penalized in several areas vis-à-vis men, particularly in terms of equal pay. Recalling once again that one of the underlying causes of the gender pay gap is occupational segregation, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the specific steps taken to combat occupational gender segregation in order to promote an occupational gender balance, such as the periodic launching of awareness-raising campaigns against sexist stereotypes of women’s occupational capabilities and aspirations; guidance (and support) for girls, at school, university and in career levels, regarding sectors with high earnings potential; women’s progression towards leadership posts; and the revaluation of jobs held predominantly by women.

Article 2. Equal remuneration for work of equal value. Collective agreements. Legislation. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to amend section L.79 of the Labour Code, which determines the compulsory content of collective agreements (and refers to the narrower concept of “equal work”) in order to incorporate the concept of “work of equal value”, introduced by the new section L.95 in 2017. The Committee also requested the Government to take steps to ensure, in collaboration with the social partners, that the provisions of collective agreements also refer to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal “value” enshrined in the Convention. The Government indicates to the Committee that this matter will be examined at the next review of the Labour Code. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard. In the meantime, in order to avoid conflicts between recently concluded collective agreements and the new section L.95 of the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government to take steps, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure that these collective agreements refer to the principle of equal remuneration between men and women for work of equal “value”. It also requests it to provide a copy of the provisions concerning equal pay between men and women included in collective agreements concluded after 2017.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee recalls that, further to the harmonization of section L.95 of the Labour Code with the Convention (Act No. 2017-021 of 12 June 2017, amending Act No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992), it requested the Government to: (i) adopt measures to promote awareness among workers, employers and their respective organizations, labour inspectors and judges of the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women for work of equal “value”; (ii) promote the development and use of objective job evaluation methods which are free of any gender bias in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations; and (iii) provide information on all progress made and any difficulties encountered in this regard. The Government indicates that activities to publicize and raise awareness of the principle of the Convention are planned for the near future – dependent on finances – and also that it has taken due note of the Committee’s request regarding the need to develop and apply objective job evaluation methods in collaboration with the social partners. Recalling that the concept of “work of equal value” is the cornerstone of the Convention and that it requires the adoption of a method of measuring and comparing the relative value of different jobs, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved and the difficulties met in developing and applying an objective job evaluation method which is free of any gender bias in collaboration with the social partners. It also requests the Government to provide information on any activity carried out to raise awareness of the principle of equal pay between men and women for work of equal “value”, enshrined in the new section L.95 of the Labour Code.

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Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Gender pay gaps. Occupational segregation. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee recalls that one of the underlying causes of wage inequalities between men and women is occupational segregation, namely the fact that women and men are confined to different occupations or sectors of the economy (horizontal segregation) or at certain levels of responsibility within the same occupation or the same job (vertical segregation). It also recalls that it asked the Government to provide information on the steps taken to tackle occupational segregation. In this regard, the Committee notes that the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in its concluding observations, expresses concern at the persistence of gender wage gaps, high unemployment rates for women and occupational segregation in the labour market in the public and private sectors (CEDAW/C/MLI/CO/6-7, 25 July 2016, paragraph 31). In view of the lack of a reply on this point, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the steps taken to combat the occupational segregation of men and women, including measures to increase women’s presence in occupations or sectors of the economy where men predominate, to encourage the advancement of women to managerial posts and to combat sexist stereotypes regarding women’s occupational aspirations and capabilities.

Article 2. Equal remuneration for work of equal value. Collective agreements. Legislation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that certain collective agreements relating to mining, geological, hydro geological and metallurgical companies and general mechanical engineering companies provide that, “for equal conditions of work, skill and output, there shall be equal wages for all workers regardless of their origin, sex, age or status”. The Committee recalls that this provision is more restrictive than the principle established by the Convention since it does not reflect the concept of “work of equal value”, which permits a broad scope of comparison and includes “equal”, the “same” or “similar” work but also encompasses work of an entirely different nature which is nevertheless of equal value. In this respect, the Committee emphasizes that, contrary to new section L.95, which refers to the concept of “work of equal value” further to the adoption of Act No. 2017-021 of 12 June 2017, section L.79, which determines the compulsory content of collective agreements, refers only to the narrower concept of “equal work” and has not been amended. In order to harmonize all provisions of the Labour Code regarding equal remuneration for men and women, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to amend section L.79 in order to incorporate the concept of “work of equal value”, introduced by new section L.95. The Committee also requests the Government to take steps to ensure, in collaboration with the social partners, that the provisions of collective agreements also refer to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of “equal value”.

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Articles 1–3 of the Convention. Legislative developments. Definition of the term “remuneration”. Equal remuneration for work of equal value. Objective job evaluation. Since 2014, the Committee has been highlighting the fact that section L.95 of the Labour Code does not reflect the principle of the Convention. The Committee notes with satisfaction that Act No. 2017-021 of 12 June 2017, amending Act No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992 issuing the Labour Code, amends section L.95. New section L.95 contains a definition of the term “remuneration” which corresponds to that of the Convention and fully reflects the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value since it provides that “any employer is required to ensure, for the same work or work of equal value, equal remuneration for employees, whatever their origin, sex, age, status or disability”. It also provides that “occupational categories and classifications and criteria for occupational promotion must be common to workers of both sexes” and that “job classification methods must be based on objective considerations”. In view of the foregoing, the Committee requests the Government to adopt measures to promote awareness among workers, employers and their respective organizations, labour inspectors and judges of the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value as provided for in section L.95, as amended, of the Labour Code. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures taken, in collaboration with workers’ and employers’ organizations, to promote the development and use of objective job evaluation methods which are free of any gender bias, and to provide information on all progress made and any difficulties encountered in this regard.

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

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The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Workers’ Unions of Mali (CSTM), received on 22 November 2013, which underlines the consequences of the fall in the school attendance rate of girls and in the representation of women in decision-making bodies on women’s employment and wages. The Committee appreciates in particular the fact that the Government has collected, compiled and communicated recent statistics disaggregated by sex on school attendance rates, the number of graduates, the staff of the public service, jobs created in the private sector, staffing levels in the judiciary, the police and civil protection, and the distribution of employed persons by monthly remuneration and “institutional sector”, or socio-occupational category for 2010.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Remuneration gaps between men and women. According to the statistics provided, taking all socio-occupational categories together, 37 per cent of women who work receive monthly remuneration that is below the minimum guaranteed inter-occupational wage (SMIG) (compared with 21 per cent of men), and only 6 per cent of women (compared with 16 per cent of men) have a monthly income higher than CFA francs 75,000. In almost all of the socio-occupational categories mentioned (such as “employee”, “manual worker”, “family assistant”, “own account worker”), many more women than men receive remuneration lower than the SMIG. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, including any measures intended to address the underlying causes of remuneration gaps, such as vertical occupational segregation (positions of responsibility) and horizontal segregation (by sector or socio-occupational category) and gender stereotypes. The Government is also requested to provide information on the measures intended to raise the awareness of workers, employers and their organizations concerning the issue of remuneration gaps.

Article 2. Equal remuneration for work of equal value. Legislation. The Committee recalls that current section L.95 of the Labour Code does not reflect the principle of the Convention. However, the Government indicates that section L.95 (new) of the Bill to amend the Labour Code adopted by the Council of Ministers provides that “every employer shall be required to ensure, for the same work or work of equal value, equal remuneration for employees, irrespective of origin, sex, age, status or disability”, and contains a definition of the term “remuneration” which corresponds to that of the Convention. The Committee trusts that the Government will soon be in a position to report the adoption of these provisions incorporating the principle of the Convention and requests it to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect. The Government is also requested to indicate whether collective agreements or workplace agreements between employers and workers referring to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value or containing provisions respecting wage fixing have been concluded and, if so, to provide copies of the relevant provisions.

Labour inspection. Noting the information provided by the Government, the Committee refers to its direct request under the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

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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:

Repetition

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The Committee notes that measures have been taken in the context of the Plan of Action for promoting equal remuneration, adopted in 2001. These include measures to increase the school attendance rate for girls, measures to train employers in gender issues, a revision of collective agreements which has been taking place since February 2005, an examination of the ordinance on pensions and a review of the Labour Code. The Committee also notes that no court decision relating to the application of the principle of the Convention has been brought to the attention of the Labour Department. As regards the application of the principle of the Convention through legislation, the Committee notes that the amendment of the Labour Code is planned, particularly section L.95 thereof, in order to incorporate the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and also a definition of the term “remuneration” which is in conformity with the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the progress made in revising section L.95 of the Labour Code aimed at giving full expression to the principle of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will be able to report on progress made in this respect in the near future.

With regard to the implementation of the Plan of Action, the Committee asks the Government to supply information, including recent statistics, regarding the impact of the measures taken regarding the following: (i) the school attendance rate for girls at all levels; (ii) the employment of women; and (iii) the gender pay gap. The Committee asks the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to promote equal remuneration, including measures aimed at: (i) combating occupational segregation in the labour market; (ii) expanding in-service vocational training; and (iii) enabling women to have access to better paid jobs. Finally, the Government is requested to supply a copy of collective agreements and enterprise agreements referring to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value or containing provisions relating to the fixing of wages.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no objective evaluation of jobs has been undertaken so far. However, the Committee wishes to remind the Government that the application of the concept of “work of equal value” implies a comparison of tasks and, consequently, the adoption of a technique for measuring and objectively comparing the relative value of the tasks accomplished in order to determine whether jobs involving different work have the same value for the purposes of remuneration. In this respect the Committee refers to paragraphs 138–150 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, in which it explains the various methods of job evaluation, the key stages of which are job analysis, the preparation of job descriptions, and the systematic comparison of jobs in order to establish a hierarchy. Noting that the Government refers to the problems faced by labour inspectors in identifying cases of pay discrimination where men and women do not perform the same work, the Committee wishes to emphasize that it would be especially useful in this context to undertake an evaluation of jobs in both the public and private sectors, on the basis of objective, non-discriminatory criteria, such as the requisite skills and effort, responsibility and conditions of work, in order to be able to compare predominantly “female” with predominantly “male” jobs. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to create the necessary conditions for objective job evaluation in both the public and private sectors, free from gender bias, in order to be able to apply the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Labour inspection. The Committee notes that the reports of the labour inspectorate do not contain any information on the activities of labour inspectors with regard to pay discrimination. It notes that, according to the Government, labour inspectors face problems in identifying cases of pay discrimination owing to the occupational segregation of men and women in the labour market in Mali. The Committee urges the Government to take steps to train labour inspectors with a view to enhancing their capacity for identifying and tackling all issues relating to the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on the monitoring work of labour inspectors relating to discrimination in employment, in particular discrimination with regard to pay.

Statistics. The Committee requests the Government to supply all available statistics on wage levels for men and women by sector, economic activity and occupation in both the public and private sectors, this information being essential for evaluating of the application of the principle of the Convention in practice.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. The Committee notes that measures have been taken in the context of the Plan of Action for promoting equal remuneration, adopted in 2001. These include measures to increase the school attendance rate for girls, measures to train employers in gender issues, a revision of collective agreements which has been taking place since February 2005, an examination of the ordinance on pensions and a review of the Labour Code. The Committee also notes that no court decision relating to the application of the principle of the Convention has been brought to the attention of the Labour Department. As regards the application of the principle of the Convention through legislation, the Committee notes that the amendment of the Labour Code is planned, particularly section L.95 thereof, in order to incorporate the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value and also a definition of the term “remuneration” which is in conformity with the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the progress made in revising section L.95 of the Labour Code aimed at giving full expression to the principle of the Convention. It trusts that the Government will be able to report on progress made in this respect in the near future.

With regard to the implementation of the Plan of Action, the Committee asks the Government to supply information, including recent statistics, regarding the impact of the measures taken regarding the following: (i) the school attendance rate for girls at all levels; (ii) the employment of women; and (iii) the gender pay gap. The Committee asks the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to promote equal remuneration, including measures aimed at: (i) combating occupational segregation in the labour market; (ii) expanding in-service vocational training; and (iii) enabling women to have access to better paid jobs. Finally, the Government is requested to supply a copy of collective agreements and enterprise agreements referring to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value or containing provisions relating to the fixing of wages.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no objective evaluation of jobs has been undertaken so far. However, the Committee wishes to remind the Government that the application of the concept of “work of equal value” implies a comparison of tasks and, consequently, the adoption of a technique for measuring and objectively comparing the relative value of the tasks accomplished in order to determine whether jobs involving different work have the same value for the purposes of remuneration. In this respect the Committee refers to paragraphs 138–150 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, in which it explains the various methods of job evaluation, the key stages of which are job analysis, the preparation of job descriptions, and the systematic comparison of jobs in order to establish a hierarchy. Noting that the Government refers to the problems faced by labour inspectors in identifying cases of pay discrimination where men and women do not perform the same work, the Committee wishes to emphasize that it would be especially useful in this context to undertake an evaluation of jobs in both the public and private sectors, on the basis of objective, non-discriminatory criteria, such as the requisite skills and effort, responsibility and conditions of work, in order to be able to compare predominantly “female” with predominantly “male” jobs. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide information in its next report on the measures taken to create the necessary conditions for objective job evaluation in both the public and private sectors, free from gender bias, in order to be able to apply the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Labour inspection. The Committee notes that the reports of the labour inspectorate do not contain any information on the activities of labour inspectors with regard to pay discrimination. It notes that, according to the Government, labour inspectors face problems in identifying cases of pay discrimination owing to the occupational segregation of men and women in the labour market in Mali. The Committee urges the Government to take steps to train labour inspectors with a view to enhancing their capacity for identifying and tackling all issues relating to the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on the monitoring work of labour inspectors relating to discrimination in employment, in particular discrimination with regard to pay.

Statistics. The Committee requests the Government to supply all available statistics on wage levels for men and women by sector, economic activity and occupation in both the public and private sectors, this information being essential for evaluating of the application of the principle of the Convention in practice.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. Referring to its previous comments regarding the project PAMODEC/MALI (Promotional project to apply principles and fundamental rights at work) implemented with ILO assistance, the Committee notes that following this project judges and lawyers in Mali have committed themselves to take the Convention into account in their work, and a network of trainers on rights at work, including equal remuneration, has been established. Proposals for the amendment of legal provisions which are contrary to the spirit of the Convention have been prepared. Further, enterprises have embraced gender-sensitive approaches. The Committee asks the Government to provide the following: (i) more detailed information on the content of the legislative amendments being proposed and the activities of the network of trainers to promote the Convention; (ii) examples of decisions issued by the judicial and administrative authorities applying the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value; (iii) detailed information on the implementation of the action plan to promote equal remuneration adopted in 2001 and the progress made in reducing the gender pay gap between men and women, including statistical information on the earnings of men and women according to industry and occupation; (iv) examples of collective agreements and enterprise agreements which make reference to the Convention’s principle, which were not attached to the Government’s report, as indicated.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that according to a study undertaken by the World Bank entitled “Strategic evaluation of the challenges in the area of gender” the work performed by women is undervalued. The Committee notes that the Government again indicates that it wishes to seek technical assistance from the ILO on the issue of objective job evaluation. The Committee asks the Government to take the steps necessary to promote the development and use of methods for the objective evaluation of jobs, taking into account the indications given in the 2006 general observation, and to seek the ILO’s assistance in this regard. The Committee also asks the Government to keep the Office informed of any further developments in this regard and to provide a copy of the “Strategic evaluation of the challenges in the area of gender”.

Practical application. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any activities of the labour inspectorate, relating to the application of the principle of the Convention including indications as to the violations identified, sanctions imposed and remedies granted. The Committee also asks the Government to indicate whether any measures have been taken or envisaged to enhance the capacity of labour inspectors to identify and address issues relating to the application of the Convention.

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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. Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the study of 2001, entitled “Egalité de rémunération entre les hommes et les femmes dans le secteur moderne au Mali”, showed an important wage gap between men and women in Mali, as well as a low participation rate of women in salaried employment in the modern private sector and in decision-making positions. It also noted in its previous comments that the action plan, adopted in 2001 to promote equal remuneration for men and women in Mali, included the following action: (a) analysis of equal remuneration in the informal and agricultural sectors; (b) the development of vocational training for women; (c) the review of collective agreements; (d) the revision of the general status of public service workers; and (e) the revision of the Labour Code. In this respect, the Committee also notes the report on activities carried out for the period October 2002 to July 2004 by the project PAMODEC/MALI (Promotional project to apply the principles and fundamental rights of work, with the assistance of the ILO) and particularly the training activities with the social partners, women, the directors of human resources departments, judges and lawyers, with respect to equal remuneration between men and women and the principle of non-discrimination in employment and occupation.

2. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the activities undertaken in the framework of the PAMODEC project, including activities of the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, and their impact on women’s and men’s equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Government is also asked to supply information on progress made with regard to the implementation of the abovementioned action plan, and its impact with regard to reducing the gender wage gap.

3. Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the school attendance rate of girls for the year 2003–04. It notes that girls are less represented than boys in the basic classes (girls constitute on average 40 per cent) and that the number decreases radically in the higher classes. Taking into account that inequalities between boys and girls in education constitute an origin for future unequal remuneration in the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged, including those taken by the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, to promote girls’ access to education and training and the results obtained.

4. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that it omitted to provide information on its previous comments. It therefore repeats its previous comments:

Article 2. Application of the principle of equal remuneration. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is set forth in the Labour Code, in collective agreements, enterprise agreements between employers and workers, and in decrees determining wages in certain branches of activity. It asks the Government to provide copies of these collective agreements, enterprise agreements and decrees, as well as information on the measures taken to ensure the guarantee of equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that at present it is unable to carry out any objective job evaluations and that it requests the technical assistance of the ILO in this respect. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the near future. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19–23 and 52–70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provides clarifications regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of all future developments in this respect.

Part III of the report form. Authorities in charge of the application of the Convention. It also notes that the application of the principle of equal remuneration is ensured by the central and regional labour inspection services, the courts and organizations of employers and workers through inspections of workplaces, regular supervision of employment contracts, the examination of registers of workers and remuneration records and questions asked to workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on these measures and on their effectiveness in ensuring the application of the principle set out in the Convention.

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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. Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the study of 2001, entitled “Egalité de rémunération entre les hommes et les femmes dans le secteur moderne au Mali”, showed an important wage gap between men and women in Mali, as well as a low participation rate of women in salaried employment in the modern private sector and in decision-making positions. It also noted in its previous comments that the action plan, adopted in 2001 to promote equal remuneration for men and women in Mali, included the following action: (a) analysis of equal remuneration in the informal and agricultural sectors; (b) the development of vocational training for women; (c) the review of collective agreements; (d) the revision of the general status of public service workers; and (e) the revision of the Labour Code. In this respect, the Committee also notes the report on activities carried out for the period October 2002 to July 2004 by the project PAMODEC/MALI (Promotional project to apply the principles and fundamental rights of work, with the assistance of the ILO) and particularly the training activities with the social partners, women, the directors of human resources departments, judges and lawyers, with respect to equal remuneration between men and women and the principle of non-discrimination in employment and occupation.

2. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the activities undertaken in the framework of the PAMODEC project, including activities of the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, and their impact on women’s and men’s equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Government is also asked to supply information on progress made with regard to the implementation of the abovementioned action plan, and its impact with regard to reducing the gender wage gap.

3. Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the school attendance rate of girls for the year 2003–04. It notes that girls are less represented than boys in the basic classes (girls constitute on average 40 per cent) and that the number decreases radically in the higher classes. Taking into account that inequalities between boys and girls in education constitute an origin for future unequal remuneration in the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged, including those taken by the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, to promote girls’ access to education and training and the results obtained.

4. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that it omitted to provide information on its previous comments. It therefore repeats its previous comments:

Article 2. Application of the principle of equal remuneration. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is set forth in the Labour Code, in collective agreements, enterprise agreements between employers and workers, and in decrees determining wages in certain branches of activity. It asks the Government to provide copies of these collective agreements, enterprise agreements and decrees, as well as information on the measures taken to ensure the guarantee of equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that at present it is unable to carry out any objective job evaluations and that it requests the technical assistance of the ILO in this respect. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the near future. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19–23 and 52–70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provides clarifications regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of all future developments in this respect.

Part III of the report form. Authorities in charge of the application of the Convention. It also notes that the application of the principle of equal remuneration is ensured by the central and regional labour inspection services, the courts and organizations of employers and workers through inspections of workplaces, regular supervision of employment contracts, the examination of registers of workers and remuneration records and questions asked to workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on these measures and on their effectiveness in ensuring the application of the principle set out in the Convention.

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See the Committee’s direct request concerning the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

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1. Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. In its previous comments the Committee noted that the study of 2001, entitled "Egalité de rémunération entre les hommes et les femmes dans le secteur moderne au Mali", showed an important wage gap between men and women in Mali, as well as a low participation rate of women in salaried employment in the modern private sector and in decision-making positions. It also noted in its previous comments that the action plan, adopted in 2001 to promote equal remuneration for men and women in Mali, included the following action: (a) analysis of equal remuneration in the informal and agricultural sectors; (b) the development of vocational training for women; (c) the review of collective agreements; (d) the revision of the general status of public service workers; and (e) the revision of the Labour Code. In this respect, the Committee also notes the report on activities carried out for the period October 2002 to July 2004 by the project PAMODEC/MALI (Promotional project to apply the principles and fundamental rights of work, with the assistance of the ILO) and particularly the training activities with the social partners, women, the directors of human resources departments, judges and lawyers, with respect to equal remuneration between men and women and the principle of non-discrimination in employment and occupation.

2. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the activities undertaken in the framework of the PAMODEC project, including activities of the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, and their impact on women’s and men’s equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Government is also asked to supply information on progress made with regard to the implementation of the abovementioned action plan, and its impact with regard to reducing the gender wage gap.

3. Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the school attendance rate of girls for the year 2003-04. It notes that girls are less represented than boys in the basic classes (girls constitute on average 40 per cent) and that the number decreases radically in the higher classes. Taking into account that inequalities between boys and girls in education constitute an origin for future unequal remuneration in the labour market, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged, including those taken by the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, to promote girls’ access to education and training and the results obtained.

4. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that it omitted to provide information on its previous comments. It therefore repeats its previous comments:

Article 2. Application of the principle of equal remuneration. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is set forth in the Labour Code, in collective agreements, enterprise agreements between employers and workers, and in decrees determining wages in certain branches of activity. It asks the Government to provide copies of these collective agreements, enterprise agreements and decrees, as well as information on the measures taken to ensure the guarantee of equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention.

Article 3. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that at present it is unable to carry out any objective job evaluations and that it requests the technical assistance of the ILO in this respect. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the near future. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19-23 and 52-70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provides clarifications regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of all future developments in this respect.

Part III of the report form. Authorities in charge of the application of the Convention. It also notes that the application of the principle of equal remuneration is ensured by the central and regional labour inspection services, the courts and organizations of employers and workers through inspections of workplaces, regular supervision of employment contracts, the examination of registers of workers and remuneration records and questions asked to workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on these measures and on their effectiveness in ensuring the application of the principle set out in the Convention.

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The Committee notes the Government’s brief report.

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is set forth in the Labour Code, in collective agreements, enterprise agreements between employers and workers, and in decrees determining wages in certain branches of activity. It asks the Government to provide copies of these collective agreements, enterprise agreements and decrees, as well as information on the measures taken to ensure the guarantee of equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set out in the Convention.

2. It also notes that the application of the principle of equal remuneration is ensured by the central and regional labour inspection services, the courts and organizations of employers and workers through inspections of workplaces, regular supervision of employment contracts, the examination of registers of workers and remuneration records and questions asked to workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on these measures and on their effectiveness in ensuring the application of the principle set out in the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that "in Mali, there is no gap between male wage rates and the wage rates of women" since these "rates depend on the jobs held and the determination of such jobs is not based on the criterion of "gender". In this respect, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the fact that a study carried out by the ILO in 2001 (Dominique Meurs, Egalité de rémunération entre les hommes at les femmes dans le secteur moderne au Mali, Project RAF/00/M02/FRA, 10 April 2001) concludes that there is an important gap in the average wage to the prejudice of women employees of around 15 per cent in the modern private sector and 30 per cent in the public service. It adds that the most notable characteristic is the low rate of participation of women in salaried employment in the modern private sector, in contrast with their high rate of participation in the informal sector and in agriculture, and their concentration in middle-level jobs. Moreover, there are few women in decision-making positions (10 per cent in the public sector), which is partly attributable to a lower level of school education and the resistance encountered in internal promotions.

4. The Committee notes that the study suggests some lines of action to resolve the situation, including: (1) the establishment of a classification of jobs and their characteristics in order to provide a common terminology for the labour market, which would incorporate the concerns of non-discrimination against women; (2) in enterprises of a certain size and in ministries in the public service, the preparation of an annual document on the personnel, remuneration, the training provided, promotions, staff movements (recruitment, departures), with the inclusion of the gender dimension in the indicators; (3) raising the awareness of the social partners with regard to the issue of women’s employment; and (4) giving priority to the issue of the education of girls, particularly at the basic and secondary levels. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures that it intends to take to apply in law and practice the principle of equal remuneration as set out in the Convention.

5. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to certain points raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the attached report of the National Meeting on Equal Remuneration for Men and Women, held in April 2001 in conjunction with the International Labour Office. The Meeting adopted an action plan to promote equal remuneration in two phases: the short-term action plan is to be implemented in 2001-02 and the long-term action plan in 2003-05. The Committee notes that the short-term action plan includes the following action: a committee is to be established to follow up national action; seminars are to be organized to change women’s professional attitudes; and girls are to be encouraged to participate in education. The Committee notes that the long-term action plan includes the following action: analysis of equal remuneration in the informal and agricultural sectors; the development of vocational training for women; the review of collective agreements; the revision of the general status of public service workers; and the revision of the Labour Code. The Committee welcomes this initiative and asks the Government to provide full information on the promotional measures taken to implement these action plans.

2. With respect to the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women (established by Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999) and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women (established by Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999), the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on these bodies and copies of any studies or reports arising from their activities on measures taken to promote the principle of equal pay for men and women workers for work of equal value, and in particular on promotional measures taken to promote the access of girls to all levels of education. The Committee recalls that the above action is crucial to increasing the participation of women in the employment market, including at decision-making levels.

3. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that at present it is unable to carry out any objective job evaluations and that it requests the technical assistance of the ILO in this respect. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the near future. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19-23 and 52-70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provides clarifications regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of all future developments in this respect.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report.

1. The Committee notes the attached report of the National Meeting on Equal Remuneration for Men and Women, held in April 2001 in conjunction with the International Labour Office. The meeting adopted an action plan to promote equal remuneration in two phases: the short-term action plan is to be implemented in 2001-02 and the long-term action plan in 2003-05. The Committee notes that the short-term action plan includes the following action: a committee is to be established to follow up national action; seminars are to be organized to change women’s professional attitudes; and girls are to be encouraged to participate in education. The Committee notes that the long-term action plan includes the following action: analysis of equal remuneration in the informal and agricultural sectors; the development of vocational training for women; the review of collective agreements; the revision of the general status of public service workers; and the revision of the Labour Code. The Committee welcomes this initiative and asks the Government to provide full information on the promotional measures taken to implement these actions plans.

2. With respect to the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women (established by Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999) and the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women (established by Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999), the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on these bodies and copies of any studies or reports arising from their activities on measures taken to promote the principle of equal pay for men and women workers for work of equal value, and in particular on promotional measures taken to promote the access of girls to all levels of education. The Committee recalls that the above action is crucial to increasing the participation of women in the employment market, including at decision-making levels.

3. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that at present it is unable to carry out any objective job evaluations and that it requests the technical assistance of the ILO in this respect. The Committee hopes it will be possible to provide such assistance in the near future. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19-23 and 52-70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provides clarifications regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of all future developments in this respect.

4. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is ensured by the central and regional labour inspections, tribunals and by employers’ and workers’ organizations. It also states that supervision of the application of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is carried out in many different ways, such as visits to the workplace, regular controls of employment contracts, examination of employers’ registers of workers and remuneration and by questioning workers. The Committee asks the Government to provide information with its next report on all of these measures and their results in ensuring the application of the principle set out in the Convention.

5. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that all collective and enterprise agreements are stating "equal pay for equal work for men and women". The Committee asks the Government to provide copies of these collective and enterprise agreements and to provide information on measures taken to extend the equal pay guarantee to work of equal value, as stated in the Convention.

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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 reads as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s report, as well as the information annexed thereto, in particular the 1996 Employment Review, "a Study on the Modern Sector" which contains much statistical data.

1.  The Committee notes, from the 1996 Employment Review, that the average wage for women is higher than that for men, since the proportion of women occupying relatively well-paid posts is higher than that of men. It notes however that women’s representation in the labour market, although increasing, remains limited (13.86 per cent) due to persistent obstacles to access to education for young girls, especially in rural zones. Noting with interest the efforts implemented by the Government for the promotion of women in Malian society, and in particular the recent adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 establishing the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women, as well as Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, the Committee asks the Government to provide information regarding these bodies and copies of all studies or reports arising from their activities. In particular, the Committee wishes to obtain information on measures taken to promote the access of girls to all levels of education, which are crucial if the participation of women in the employment market, including at decision-taking level, is to be increased.

2.  The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it wishes to conform to the requirements of the Convention, but that the technical assistance it had requested from the ILO on objective evaluation of jobs had not yet been provided. The Committee hopes that the Office will be able to fulfil this request soon. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19-23 and 52-70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provide clarification regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed on all future developments in this sphere.

3.  The Committee notes the index table annexed to Act No. 95-001 of 18 January 1995. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the jobs corresponding to each class and each level of this grill as well as the requirements specified for these jobs.

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The Committee notes the Government's report, as well as the information annexed thereto, in particular the 1996 Employment Review, "a Study on the Modern Sector" which contains much statistical data.

1. The Committee notes, from the 1996 Employment Review, that the average wage for women is higher than that for men, since the proportion of women occupying relatively well-paid posts is higher than that of men. It notes however that women's representation in the labour market, although increasing, remains limited (13.86 per cent) due to persistent obstacles to access to education for young girls, especially in rural zones. Noting with interest the efforts implemented by the Government for the promotion of women in Malian society, and in particular the recent adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 establishing the National Directorate for the Promotion of Women, as well as Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, the Committee asks the Government to provide information regarding these bodies and copies of all studies or reports arising from their activities. In particular, the Committee wishes to obtain information on measures taken to promote the access of girls to all levels of education, which are crucial if the participation of women in the employment market, including at decision-taking level, is to be increased.

2. The Committee notes the Government's indication that it wishes to conform to the requirements of the Convention, but that the technical assistance it had requested from the ILO on objective evaluation of jobs had not yet been provided. The Committee hopes that the Office will be able to fulfil this request soon. In the meantime, it asks the Government to refer to paragraphs 19-23 and 52-70 of its 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, which provide clarification regarding certain evaluation methods. It would also be grateful if the Government would keep it informed on all future developments in this sphere.

3. The Committee notes the index table annexed to Act No. 95-001 of 18 January 1995. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the jobs corresponding to each class and each level of this grill as well as the requirements specified for these jobs.

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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 that the Government reiterates its previous position concerning the conformity of section 95 of the Labour Code (which provides for equal wages without distinction on grounds of sex only under equal conditions of work, qualifications and output) with Article 1(b) of the Convention, which provides that such equality shall be based on work of equal value, which implies a comparative evaluation of work that is of a different nature. The Committee draws the Government's attention to the content of paragraphs 19 to 23 and 52 to 70 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, in which it explains that by basing the comparison of work on its "value", the Convention goes beyond a mere reference to "identical" or equal work and determines the value of the work in question as the point of comparison. It once again requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the Convention is applied where men and women, in activities that are different or of a different nature, perform work that is of the same value. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to amend section 95 of the Labour Code, on the occasion of the forthcoming revision of the Code, so that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is specifically established.

2. With regard to the objective appraisal of jobs to ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value, particularly in cases in which the nature of the work is different, the Committee notes that the Government intends to avail itself of the technical assistance of the ILO to improve its current methods of evaluating jobs. The Committee notes that contact has already been made between the Government and the ILO with a view to examining arrangements for the provision of this assistance and it hopes to be kept informed of the progress achieved in the establishment of a system for the objective job appraisal in order to be able to compare different work, as recommended by Article 3 of the Convention.

3. Although it appreciates receipt of the copy of the Decree of 2 December 1994 fixing the minimum guaranteed inter-occupational wage and the guaranteed minimum agricultural wage, the Committee notes that the Government has not provided the information requested in order to enable it to evaluate the application of the principle of the Convention in practice. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information as soon as possible on: (i) the wage rates applicable in the public service, with an indication of the distribution of men and women at the various levels; (ii) some examples of collective agreements establishing wage levels with, if possible, indications on the distribution of men and women at the various levels and the percentage of women covered; and (iii) statistics on the real average earnings of men and women in the various economic sectors.

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Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

1. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous position concerning the conformity of section 95 of the Labour Code (which provides for equal wages without distinction on grounds of sex only under equal conditions of work, qualifications and output) with Article 1(b) of the Convention, which provides that such equality shall be based on work of equal value, which implies a comparative evaluation of work that is of a different nature. The Committee draws the Government's attention to the content of paragraphs 19 to 23 and 52 to 70 of the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, in which it explains that by basing the comparison of work on its "value", the Convention goes beyond a mere reference to "identical" or equal work and determines the value of the work in question as the point of comparison. It once again requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the Convention is applied where men and women, in activities that are different or of a different nature, perform work that is of the same value. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to amend section 95 of the Labour Code, on the occasion of the forthcoming revision of the Code, so that the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value is specifically established.

2. With regard to the objective appraisal of jobs to ensure equal remuneration for work of equal value, particularly in cases in which the nature of the work is different, the Committee notes that the Government intends to avail itself of the technical assistance of the ILO to improve its current methods of evaluating jobs. The Committee notes that contact has already been made between the Government and the ILO with a view to examining arrangements for the provision of this assistance and it hopes to be kept informed of the progress achieved in the establishment of a system for the objective job appraisal in order to be able to compare different work, as recommended by Article 3 of the Convention.

3. Although it appreciates receipt of the copy of the Decree of 2 December 1994 fixing the minimum guaranteed inter-occupational wage and the guaranteed minimum agricultural wage, the Committee notes that the Government has not provided the information requested in order to enable it to evaluate the application of the principle of the Convention in practice. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information as soon as possible on: (i) the wage rates applicable in the public service, with an indication of the distribution of men and women at the various levels; (ii) some examples of collective agreements establishing wage levels with, if possible, indications on the distribution of men and women at the various levels and the percentage of women covered; and (iii) statistics on the real average earnings of men and women in the various economic sectors.

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With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the general information contained in the Government's brief report. It requests the Government to supply full and detailed information on the following points which have been raised for a number of years.

1. The Committee recalls that by virtue of section 95 of the Labour Code of November 1992, which is reproduced in the collective agreement for construction and public works enterprises and the agreement covering mining, geological and hydro-geological enterprises and companies, equal wages without distinction on the basis of sex are granted only under "equal conditions of work, qualifications and output", whereas Article 1(b) of the Convention provides that such equality shall be based on work of "equal value", which implies a comparative evaluation of work which is of a different nature. The Committee notes the Government's statement that there could be no gap between the wage rates of men and women workers unless the output of men was superior to that of women workers.

With reference to paragraphs 19 to 21 and 45 to 65 of its 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration, the Committee once again draws the Government's attention to the fact that, although criteria such as the aptitudes or output of the worker concerned permit an objective appraisal to be made of the performance of different persons performing work of a similar nature, they do not provide an adequate basis for the application of the principle set out in the Convention, particularly where men and women workers in practice perform work of a different nature but of equal value. Furthermore, the criterion of output may lead to the emergence of different wage groups as a function of the average output for each sex. The Committee also recalls that, in the above-mentioned General Survey, it emphasized in paragraph 138 that remuneration for work of equal value "necessarily implies the adoption of some technique to measure and compare objectively the relative value of the jobs performed". The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to bring section 95 of the Labour Code and the two collective agreements referred to above into conformity with the Convention and to achieve in practice equality of remuneration between men and women workers, particularly where their work is of a different nature but of equal value.

In particular, the Government is asked to supply information on any system which has been adopted for the evaluation of jobs in the public and private sectors and which goes beyond the criteria of training, experience and the nature of the job, which are mentioned in the Government's report.

2. The Committee notes from the report that wage scales in both the public and private sectors have not been modified by means of laws or regulations. The Committee notes that under section 96(1) of the Labour Code of 1992, decrees shall be issued to establish wage zones and guaranteed inter-occupational minimum wages. It would therefore like to receive examples of the wage scales which are currently applicable in these sectors, with an indication of the distribution of men and women workers at the different levels.

3. The Committee notes the Government's statement that negotiations concerning the inter-occupational collective agreement are continuing. Please supply information on the measures taken to ensure that this agreement guarantees the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value, and not only on the basis of "equal conditions of work, qualifications and output", which has been the case up to now in respect of section 95 of the Labour Code and the collective agreements referred to above and, in view of the fact that it has been under examination for many years, to ensure that this principle is finally adopted.

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With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain any new information on the effect given in practice to the principle of non-discrimination set out in the Constitution and national law, and does not provide the information that has been requested for several years on the following points.

1. With regard to the principle laid down in Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention whereby equal remuneration for men and women workers is based on work of equal value, the Committee notes the Government's statement to the effect that equal wages are paid for equal work (section 85 of the Labour Code, under which equal pay is based on "equal conditions of work, qualifications and output"). The Committee draws the Government's attention to the terms of the Convention which bases the comparison of wages on the value of the work, and to Article 3 of the Convention which proposes a system of objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed (see in this regard paragraphs 19 to 23 of the 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration). The Committee requests the Government to re-examine the situation in the light of the above comments, in order to take account of the value of work in observing the principle of equal remuneration, and to keep it informed of any developments in this respect.

2. The Committee notes the wage scales and the changes which have been made to them. It requests the Government to supply recent information on the wage scales which are currently applicable in the public and private sectors, with an indication of the distribution of men and women employed at the different levels.

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would inform it whether the inter-occupational collective agreement which has been under examination since 1987 has finally been adopted and, if so, provide a copy as soon as possible. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, two collective agreements (one governing building and public works enterprises of 1956 and the other governing mining, geological and hydro-geological enterprises and companies of 1985) contain provisions setting out the principle of "equal wages for equal work". The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the application is ensured of the principle of equal remuneration in the sense of the Convention, particularly where in practice men and women are employed in work of a different nature but of equal value.

The Committee hopes that the next report will provide full information in reply to this direct request.

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The Committee notes that the report of the Government does not contain the information requested in its previous comments. The Committee hopes that the next report of the Government will provide full information on the matters raised in the previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report which indicates in particular that the proposed interoccupational collective agreement is still under study. It requests the Government to transmit the text of the agreement as soon as it is published, as it was again stated in the report.

2. With regard to supervision of the practical application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women by the national inspection services, the Committee notes that there are no records of violations of provisions relating to the Convention. In addition, the Committee takes note of the Mali wage scale and of the information on adjustments of the wage scale. It requests the Government to continue to keep it informed of any changes in wages and to provide full particulars of the activities of the inspection services in this area (number of inspection visits, violations recorded, etc.).

3. With regard to the principle laid down in Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention whereby equal remuneration for men and women workers is based on work of equal value, the Committee notes the Government's statement that equal wages are paid for equal work (section 85 of the Labour Code, under which equal pay is based on "equal conditions of work, qualifications and output"). The Committee draws the Government's attention to the terms of the Convention which bases the comparison of wages on the value of the work, and to Article 3 of the Convention which proposes a system of objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed (see paragraphs 19 to 23 of the Committee's 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration).

The Committee asks the Government to re-examine the situation in the light of the above comments, in order to take account of the value of the work in observing the principle of equal remuneration, and to keep it informed of any developments in this respect.

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1. The Committee notes the Government's report which indicates in particular that the proposed interoccupational collective agreement is still under study. It requests the Government to transmit the text of the agreement as soon as it is published, as it again stated it would in the report.

2. With regard to supervision of the practical application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women by the national inspection services, the Committee notes that there are no records of violations of provisions relating to the Convention. In addition, the Committee takes note of the Mali wage scale and of the information on adjustments of the wage scale. It requests the Government to continue to keep it informed of any changes in wages and to provide full particulars of the activities of the inspection services in this area (number of inspection visits, violations recorded, etc.).

3. With regard to the principle laid down in Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention whereby equal remuneration for men and women workers is based on work of equal value, the Committee notes the Government's statement that equal wages are paid for equal work (section 85 of the Labour Code, under which equal pay is based on "equal conditions of work, qualifications and output"). The Committee draws the Government's attention to the terms of the Convention which bases the comparison of wages on the value of the work, and to Article 3 of the Convention which proposes a system of objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed (see paragraphs 19 to 23 of the Committee's 1986 General Survey on Equal Remuneration).

The Committee asks the Government to re-examine the situation in the light of the above comments, in order to take account of the value of the work in observing the principle of equal remuneration, and to keep it informed of any developments in this respect.