Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Ecuador (Ratification: 1957)

Articles 1(b) and 2(2)(a) of the Convention. Equal remuneration for work of equal value. Legislation. With reference to the need to give full expression in law to the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, the Government indicates in its report that: (1) it is aware that fundamental changes are needed in the field of labour legislation in general; (2) a national debate has been launched in the context of the National Opportunities Plan 2021–25, with the participation of civil society, workers, employers and academics, with a view to developing consensus proposals for reforms to the current Labour Code, including section 79, to reflect the provisions of the Convention and refer to work of “equal value” or, if not, develop proposed legislation that strengthens the field of labour and also includes non-restrictive precepts; and (3) throughout this process the legislative authorities play a fundamental role in formalizing these aspirations. The Committee welcomes the Government’s disposition to take the necessary legislative measures to give effect to the request that it has been making for many years. While noting the difficulties involved in making an amendment to a Labour Code, the Committee recalls that, as recognized by the Government, it is necessary to amend section 79 of the Labour Code as it contains a more restrictive definition than the principle established by the Convention. The Committee trusts that the necessary legislative measures, including going beyond the reform of the Labour Code, will be adopted in the near future to give full effect to the principle established in Article 1(b) of the Convention, which refers to work of “equal value”.

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