Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Gabon (Ratification: 1961)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not contain a reply to its previous comments. For a number of years, the Committee has been pointing out that the principle of equal remuneration set out in section 140 of the Labour Code is narrower than the principle laid down in the Convention. The Committee recalls that the reference to work of equal value laid down in the Convention inevitably broadens the comparison, since it implies that jobs of a different nature must be compared in terms of equal value for the purposes of remuneration. It hopes that the Government will endeavour to amend this provision, at an appropriate time, to bring it into conformity with the principle set out in the Convention.

The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information on the rulings handed down by the courts, as well as statistics derived from reports of the inspection services and other sources showing the application in practice of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value. It is aware of the difficulties experienced by the Government in providing full statistics on the subject and suggests that it may be appropriate to request the technical assistance of the ILO.

The Committee hopes that the Government’s next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which is repeated this year.