Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Sri Lanka (Ratification: 1993)

1.  Recalling its previous comments on the existence of different wage rates for men and women in the tobacco trade and different time/piece-rates for men and women in the cinnamon trade, the Committee notes that the Government continues to explore the possibility of having a uniform wage rate determined by the Commissioner of Labour under section 33(1) of the Wages Boards Ordinance. It urges the Government to take such steps as are necessary to eliminate wage differentials between men and women in the tobacco and cinnamon trades as required under Article 2 of the Convention and asks the Government to continue to provide full information on all measures taken or contemplated.

2.  Article 4.  The Committee notes that the National Labour Advisory Council has not considered the issue of equal pay for the past five years. It notes also that the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union has reiterated its earlier comments regarding non-compliance with Article 4 of the Convention by the Government. The Committee therefore recalls its previous comments on the value of cooperating with employers’ and workers’ organizations to implement the provisions of the Convention and asks the Government to provide further information in its next report on particular steps taken in this regard.

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