Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Uruguay (Ratification: 1989)

Article 1 of the Convention. Discrimination of the basis of sex. Pregnancy testing. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to take measures to prohibit, prevent and penalize the requirement of a pregnancy test to gain access or remain in employment. In this regard, the Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Act No. 18868, of 23 December 2011, which prohibits the requirement of pregnancy tests as a requirement for entry, promotion or to remain in any post or employment in the public and private sectors, and provides for the most serious penalties in the event of violations. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any complaints lodged with the administrative or judicial authorities under the above Act and on the penalties imposed and the compensation granted.

Article 2. National equality policy. The Committee notes with interest that, in accordance with Act No. 18104, the National Gender Council carried out an evaluation of the application of the first Plan for Equality of Opportunities and Rights (PIODNA 2007–11) by the various institutions in the public administration. The evaluation found an increase in the participation of women in the Chamber of Representatives (from 11.1 per cent in 2005 to 15.1 per cent in 2010), a slight increase in their participation in departmental boards (by 0.8 per cent), and the establishment of gender committees in the various state institutions. The Committee notes that, as a result of the evaluation, recommendations were made relating to human rights, the political participation of women, education, health and labour policies and measures to combat gender violence. These measures include guaranteeing decent work, the inclusion of gender equality clauses in collective agreements, the prevention and punishment of sexual harassment, the adoption of facilities for workers with family responsibilities and the increased integration of women, including Afro-descendent and migrant women, in the labour market. Recalling the importance of monitoring the implementation of plans and policies in terms of their results and effectiveness, the Committee encourages the Government to continue the systematic evaluation of the equality plans and programmes adopted and to provide information on this subject. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted further to the recommendations made within the framework of the evaluation that has been conducted and the results achieved.

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