Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Fiji (Ratification: 2002)

1. Minimum wage fixing. Recalling its previous comments concerning the Wage Regulation Orders for a number of sectors issued between 2002 and 2004, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Orders stipulate the minimum rates for each occupational group by industry and that the rates were paid according to the work performed irrespective of gender. The Committee emphasizes that where minimum wage rates are set by occupation and industry it is crucial to take specific measures to ensure that the rates set for female‑dominated occupations are not lower than the rates for male-dominated occupations, but which involve work of equal value. The Committee therefore asks the Government to indicate the methods and criteria used to determine the minimum wage rates for the different occupations and industries and the specific measures taken to ensure that the rates for female-dominated occupations are not set below the rates applying to male-dominated occupations involving work of equal value.

2. Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes that section 79 of the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007 sets out criteria to be applied when determining remuneration, including the degree of skill, effort and responsibility, as well as working conditions. The Committee asks the Government to indicate any measures taken to promote the use of objective job evaluation methods based on the criteria listed in section 79 with a view to ensuring the implementation of this provision in practice.

3. Statistical information. The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no statistical information on the remuneration received by men and women in the various sectors and occupations. Recalling that the collection and analysis of statistical data on men’s and women’s earnings is crucial in order to review the progress made in reducing the gender pay gap, the Committee urges the Government to provide such information in its next report.