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

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Costa Rica (Ratification: 1960)

The Committee notes the information in the Government's report and the information provided on the National Wage Council, and the copies of the last decrees establishing the minimum wage and wage scales in the public administration.

1. The Committee notes that, according to the ILO's Yearbook of labour statistics of 1999, the average wage for women in 1998 in all sectors of economic activity was at 88 per cent of the level for men, an increase in the percentage difference between men and women as of 1997. The Committee would be grateful if the Government could supply information in its next report on the reasons for this increase and on the measures taken to eliminate wage differences and promote application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women.

2. The Committee notes the detailed information supplied by the Government on Costa Rican legislation encompassing the principle of the Convention, in particular on the function and the tripartite nature of the National Wage Council. It notes with interest Act No. 7510 of 9 May 1998, which ensures that the Council, in fulfilling its purpose of fixing minimum wages in the country, enjoys full autonomy and legal personality and authority. The Committee notes that Decree No. 27109-MTSS, which regulates minimum wages as of 1 July 1998, makes no distinction whatsoever based on sex. The Committee would be grateful to receive, in the Government's next report, a copy of the decree in force on minimum wages.

3. Regarding the wage scales applicable in the public service, the Committee notes that the wage scale makes no difference or distinction whatsoever based on sex, but evaluates jobs on the basis of the activity or content thereof, in conformity with Article 3 of the Convention (see the 1986 General Survey on equal remuneration, paragraph 21). The Committee requests the Government to supply information, including statistics, on the distribution of men and women in the public service, broken down by rank and occupation.

4. The Committee would be grateful to continue receiving information on the activities of the National Directorate of the General Labour Inspection, in particular on the number of inspections carried out in respect of equal remuneration, the infringements reported and the measures taken accordingly.