Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) - Guinea (Ratification: 1959)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Introduction of a minimum wage and consultation of the social partners. The Committee notes with regret that, according to the information contained in its report, the Government is maintaining its decision not to introduce the guaranteed inter-occupational minimum wage (SMIG) at the present time in view of the economic situation of the country. It also notes that, as acknowledged by the Government in its report, the introduction of a minimum wage is an important claim of national trade union organizations. The Committee notes in this respect that in November 2005 a 48‑hour general strike was called by the National Confederation of Workers of Guinea (CNTG), and that the claims included the establishment of a minimum wage. In this context, it notes with concern that the inflation rate in Guinea appears to be particularly high (in the order of 30 per cent in the second half of 2005), which makes it all the more necessary to ensure workers a minimum wage permitting them and their families to benefit from a satisfactory standard of living.

The Committee deplores the fact that, despite its repeated comments on the subject, the Government has still not been able to adopt the decree determining the minimum guaranteed wage rate for one hour of work, as provided for in section 211 of the Labour Code. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures without further delay to give effect to the provisions of the Convention by adopting the implementing decree for section 211 of the Labour Code. The Committee would also be grateful to be provided with more detailed information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure effective consultations with the social partners on equal terms in all the stages of the process of fixing minimum wages, as required by the Convention.

Collective agreements. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government in its report, the minimum wage rates in the various sectors are determined in collective agreements. In this respect, it is bound to recall that the fixing of minimum wages by collective agreements is only permitted under certain conditions: the minimum wages must have the force of law, not be subject to abatement and failure to apply them shall make the person or persons concerned liable to appropriate penal or other sanctions (see paragraphs 99 to 101 of the 1992 General Survey on minimum wages). The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the manner in which compliance with these principles is ensured in the context of the system for fixing minimum wages by collective bargaining. It requests the Government to provide copies of these sectoral collective agreements containing provisions relating to the minimum wage and to indicate the number of men and women, and of adults and young persons, covered by such provisions.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2007.]