Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Comoros

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) (Ratification: 1978)
Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95) (Ratification: 1978)
Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99) (Ratification: 1978)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on wages, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 26 and 99 (minimum wages) and No. 95 (wage protection) together. The Committee notes the observations of the Workers Confederation of Comoros (CTTC), on the implementation of Conventions Nos 26, 95 and 99, received in 2017.

Minimum wage

Article 3 of Convention No. 26 and Article 3 of Convention No. 99. Minimum wage fixing machinery and the methods to be followed in its operation. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on any decree or order adopted with respect to the minimum wage after obtaining the opinion of the Labour and Employment Advisory Council (CCTE), in accordance with section 106 of the Labour Code. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that in 2015, the CCTE examined seven regulatory texts including the decree fixing the inter-occupational guaranteed minimum wage (SMIG) for workers covered by the Labour Code. The Government adds that the tripartite members of the CCTE recommended that an expanded consultation framework should be established as soon as possible in order to examine the subject in greater depth through additional studies, taking into consideration the experience of other countries with regard to wage fixing as well as the country’s socioeconomic situation. The Committee notes that according to the CTTC, despite the discussions held by the CCTE in 2015, no text setting minimum wages was adopted. The Committee further notes that sections 90–92 of the Labour Code provide that collective agreements concluded by joint committees, composed of representatives of the most representative employers’ organizations and trade unions in the sector, may be extended and then determine the wages that must be applied for each occupational category. In this context, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of section 106 of the Labour Code without delay and to provide information in this respect. It also requests the Government to provide information on the collective agreements in force fixing wage rates for specific categories of workers and their possible extension pursuant to sections 90 and 92 of the Labour Code.

Article 4 of Convention No. 26 and Article 4 of Convention No. 99. System of supervision and sanctions. The Committee notes that the CTTC indicates that the agricultural sector, like other sectors of the informal economy, is beyond the control of the State with regard to wages. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Protection of wages

Articles 8 and 10 of Convention No. 95. Deductions from wages, attachment or assignment of wages. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that it intends to submit a draft order to the CCTE to determine the parts of wages that are liable to progressive deductions, as well as the part that is exempt from any attachment or assignment. The Committee notes that such an order is provided for under sections 114 and 119 of the Labour Code, as amended in 2012. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to adopt the order without delay and to provide information in this respect.

Article 12(1). Regular payment of wages. Application in practice. Further to its previous comments on the need to resolve the situation of wage arrears, including in the public service, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that efforts have been made to address this problem but challenges remain. The Government affirms its willingness to end the non-payment of wages, in particular in the public sector. The Committee also notes that the CTTC underscores the lack of progress with regard to the settlement of wage arrears, including in the public sector for the period from 1995 to 2009. The Committee recalls that workers shall receive remuneration for the work done and that the fundamental nature of wages stems from their essential role in ensuring workers’ livelihood. The Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts to resolve the question of wage arrears definitively, particularly in the public sector, and to provide information in this regard.

The Committee expects that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.