Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Dominica (Ratification: 1983)

Legislation. The Committee previously noted that section 24 of the Labour Standards Act, 1977 is more restrictive than the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, as it prohibits differences in wages between male and female employees only where employed in the same business, and only when “performing, under the same working conditions, the same work or jobs regarding similar skill, effort and responsibility”, thus not permitting comparisons between work that is of an entirely different nature, which is nevertheless of equal value. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC) commenced discussions on this matter at its meeting of 18 August 2011, and that following discussions, it is expected that recommendations will be forwarded in line with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) model legislation with respect to equal remuneration for work of equal value. The Committee expresses the hope that the amendments to the Labour Standards Act will be made in the near future, and asks the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in giving full legislative expression to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.

Objective job evaluation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a job evaluation and classification exercise is being undertaken in the public service, and that any documentation used in this context will be forwarded. The Committee notes the importance of ensuring that the job evaluation and classification process is free from gender bias, and in particular that jobs predominantly held by women are not undervalued when compared with those undertaken by men. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken, in the job evaluation and classification process for the public service, to ensure that the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value is reflected, and that the process itself is free from gender bias. The Committee also again asks the Government to provide a copy of the job evaluation manual that was used by the Establishment, Personnel and Training Department. Please also provide information on any measures taken to promote objective job evaluation in the private sector.

Awareness raising. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it continues to sensitize the public on labour issues, but that no system has yet been developed to determine the impact of such activities. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any training and awareness-raising activities undertaken related specifically to the principle of the Convention, and to provide information on any steps taken to be able to determine the impact thereof.