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

Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) - Guatemala (Ratification: 1988)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous comments.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's statement to the effect that the system of minimum wages applies to all workers in the private sector, with the exception of domestic workers and apprentices. According to the Government, the reasons for the exclusion of domestic employees and apprentices are based on the nature sui generis of such services. Domestic workers are provided with accommodation, food and medicine, in addition to their wage. Apprentices, in addition to the training that they receive during their contract, are entitled to receive a wage which, in view of the training that is provided, may under the terms of the law be lower than the minimum wage.

The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the legal texts which govern the fixing of the wages of domestic workers and apprentices, including data on the level of their wages in comparison with the rates fixed for minimum wages.

Article 2, paragraph 1, read in conjunction with Article 5 and point V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide general information on the application of the Convention in practice, including its application in the agricultural sector, relating to: (i) changes in the minimum wage rates applicable; (ii) available statistical data on the number and categories of workers covered by the minimum wage system; and (iii) the results of the inspections carried out (for example, the cases of violations reported, the penalties imposed, etc.).