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Discrimination in Employment and Occupation. Fundamental instruments on equality. The Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Recommendation, 1958 (No. 111)The Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and the Eq
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1. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation
2. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Fundamental instruments on equality The Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Recommendation, 1958 (No. 111)
The Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and the Equal Remuneration Recommendation, 1951 (No. 90)
3. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Convention No. 111
Objective: Elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation and achieving equal opportunities for all
To be realized progressively but steps have to be taken immediately and on a continuing basis
Certain immediate obligations
4. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Definition of discrimination Any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation
The definition contains three basic elements:
A factual element (the existence of a distinction, exclusion or preference that constitutes a difference)
a criterion on which the difference is based (grounds or motive)
An objective result of this difference in treatment, namely the nullyfication or impairment of equality.
Direct (generally intentional or explict):
A job advertisement specifying « men only »
Intensional refusal to hire members of a certain ethnic minority groups, including linguistic minorities or racial minorities
Legislation prohibiting those of a certain religion from holding a position with a public authority
Legislation prohibiting women to enter the police force.
Indirect (may not be intentional. It is an apparently neutral law or practice which has a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group protected by the Convention or by national legislation).
Occupational segregation concentrating women in sectors that are traditionally female and that are less well paid.
Provision of an employment benefit such as a « head of household » allowance, when legislation defines heads of households as men
Language proficiency requirements that have a disproportionate negative impact on certain ethnic or linguistic minorities.
Unequal access of minorities to certain training institutesThe definition contains three basic elements:
A factual element (the existence of a distinction, exclusion or preference that constitutes a difference)
a criterion on which the difference is based (grounds or motive)
An objective result of this difference in treatment, namely the nullyfication or impairment of equality.
Direct (generally intentional or explict):
A job advertisement specifying « men only »
Intensional refusal to hire members of a certain ethnic minority groups, including linguistic minorities or racial minorities
Legislation prohibiting those of a certain religion from holding a position with a public authority
Legislation prohibiting women to enter the police force.
Indirect (may not be intentional. It is an apparently neutral law or practice which has a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group protected by the Convention or by national legislation).
Occupational segregation concentrating women in sectors that are traditionally female and that are less well paid.
Provision of an employment benefit such as a « head of household » allowance, when legislation defines heads of households as men
Language proficiency requirements that have a disproportionate negative impact on certain ethnic or linguistic minorities.
Unequal access of minorities to certain training institutes
5. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Eliminating discrimination: Who and where?
Principle of C.111 applies to all workers
Equal access to vocational training
Equal access to employment and occupation
Equality in terms of conditions of work Applies to all workers, including self-employed, paid or unpaid
Equal access to vocational training
General education, career guidance and counselling services and vocational training
Equal access to employment and occupation
Recruitment and hiring process, placement services, access particular occupations, including non-traditional occupations
Equality in terms of conditions of work
Professional training, opportunities for advancement,
termination of employment, benefits, work environment,
equal remuneration, health and safety)
The Convention covers both the public and the private sectors.
It covers all persons meaning that it includes all categories of workers and applies to both nationals and non-nationals.
It includes all situations and sectors in which persons are employed or work, as well as self-employment
Employment and occupation covers both the formal and informal economy as well as those who are self-employed.
Equal access to training: Equal access to career guidance and counselling services and vocational training, general education and on the job training, including for jobs that are non-traditional.
Training is of paramount importance in determining actual opportunities for gaining access to employment and occupation. Vocational guidance for young persons plays an important role in opening up a broad range of occupations, free of considerations based on stereotypes or archaic conceptions that specific trades or occupations are supposedly reserved for persons of a particular sex, ethnic group or caste.
Access to employment: Protection against discrimination in respect of recruitment and hiring process, placement services, access particular occupations, including non-traditional occupations
Access to self-employment: this category covers the majority of the active population in certain developing countries, and principally in the rural sector. It also covers a large number of women. It therefore includes various occupations and is of a heterogeneous nature. Access to various material goods and services required to carry out these occupations (credit, land,..) therefore constitutes one of the objectives of the national policy.
Terms and conditions of employment: includes protection of discrimination in respect of access to professional training, opportunities for advancement, termination of employment, remuneration in all its forms, access to benefits such as vacation time, social security, leave time,..,working environment, health and safety
Applies to all workers, including self-employed, paid or unpaid
Equal access to vocational training
General education, career guidance and counselling services and vocational training
Equal access to employment and occupation
Recruitment and hiring process, placement services, access particular occupations, including non-traditional occupations
Equality in terms of conditions of work
Professional training, opportunities for advancement,
termination of employment, benefits, work environment,
equal remuneration, health and safety)
The Convention covers both the public and the private sectors.
It covers all persons meaning that it includes all categories of workers and applies to both nationals and non-nationals.
It includes all situations and sectors in which persons are employed or work, as well as self-employment
Employment and occupation covers both the formal and informal economy as well as those who are self-employed.
Equal access to training: Equal access to career guidance and counselling services and vocational training, general education and on the job training, including for jobs that are non-traditional.
Training is of paramount importance in determining actual opportunities for gaining access to employment and occupation. Vocational guidance for young persons plays an important role in opening up a broad range of occupations, free of considerations based on stereotypes or archaic conceptions that specific trades or occupations are supposedly reserved for persons of a particular sex, ethnic group or caste.
Access to employment: Protection against discrimination in respect of recruitment and hiring process, placement services, access particular occupations, including non-traditional occupations
Access to self-employment: this category covers the majority of the active population in certain developing countries, and principally in the rural sector. It also covers a large number of women. It therefore includes various occupations and is of a heterogeneous nature. Access to various material goods and services required to carry out these occupations (credit, land,..) therefore constitutes one of the objectives of the national policy.
Terms and conditions of employment: includes protection of discrimination in respect of access to professional training, opportunities for advancement, termination of employment, remuneration in all its forms, access to benefits such as vacation time, social security, leave time,..,working environment, health and safety
6. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation What is discrimination? Three elements:
Factual element: any distinction, exclusion or preference
Prohibited grounds: race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, social origin and any other ground identified at the national level
Negative effect on equality of opportunity and treatment (whether or not intended)
Any discrimination whether it is
In law or in practice
Direct or indirect
Article 1: Any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation.
Direct (generally intentional or explict):
A job advertisement excplcitly excluding applicants of a certain gender, age, or complexion
Exlusion from certain public sector jobs due to political opinion ethnic minority groups, including linguistic minorities or racial minorities
Legislation prohibiting those of a certain religion from holding a position with a public authority
Legislation prohibiting women to enter the police force or fire brigades.
Indirect (may not be intentional. It is an apparently neutral law or practice which has a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group protected by the Convention or by national legislation).
Occupational segregation concentrating women in sectors that are traditionally female and that are less well paid.
Provision of an employment benefit such as a « head of household » allowance, when legislation defines heads of households as men
Language proficiency requirements that have a disproportionate negative impact on certain ethnic or linguistic minorities.
Unequal access of minorities to certain training institutesArticle 1: Any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction and social origin which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation.
Direct (generally intentional or explict):
A job advertisement excplcitly excluding applicants of a certain gender, age, or complexion
Exlusion from certain public sector jobs due to political opinion ethnic minority groups, including linguistic minorities or racial minorities
Legislation prohibiting those of a certain religion from holding a position with a public authority
Legislation prohibiting women to enter the police force or fire brigades.
Indirect (may not be intentional. It is an apparently neutral law or practice which has a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group protected by the Convention or by national legislation).
Occupational segregation concentrating women in sectors that are traditionally female and that are less well paid.
Provision of an employment benefit such as a « head of household » allowance, when legislation defines heads of households as men
Language proficiency requirements that have a disproportionate negative impact on certain ethnic or linguistic minorities.
Unequal access of minorities to certain training institutes
7. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Examples: Direct discrimination Job advertisement excluding applicants of a certain gender, age, or complexion
Practice of hiring only persons of a certain ethnicity
Exclusion from certain public sector jobs due to political opinion, religion or ethnic origin
Exclusion of women to enter the police force or fire brigades
Restricting working time of women, e.g. overtime
Restricting women’s access to certain occupation
8. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Indirect discrimination
Apparently neutral law or practice which has a disproportionate negative impact on a particular group protected by the Convention or by national legislation, and which has no objective job-related justification
9. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Examples: Indirect discrimination Height or language requirements that are unrelated to job
Working time arrangements that impair equal opportunities of persons with family responsibilities
Exclusion from domestic worker from labour legislation
10. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Prohibited grounds of discrimination: Sex Refers to those distinctions which use the biological characteristics and functions that differentiate men from women
It also includes those distinctions based on social differences between men and women that are learned, changeable over time and have wide variations within and between cultures
It covers pregnancy, marital status, family responsibilities and sexual harassment
Applies to either sex but usually against women
Particular groups of women including indigenous, migrant and minority women are more vulnerable to discrimination
It concerns often indirect discrimination
Protection may be disguised discrimination: protective measures inhibiting women to have access to certain jobs (heavy weight, use of chemicals, hazardous in general).
Sexual harassment; includes quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment. It can include physical, verbal or non verbal actions. It may inlude pornographic pictures, sexist jokes..
Examples: Mexico: pregnancy testing for maquiladoras,
In 1975, the ILO adopted Convention No.156 on Workers with Family Responsibilities. The Convention responds to the need to combine work and family responsibilities and aims to strengthen the protection for all workers with family responsibilities. Member States are to encourage sharing of family responsibilities and to build workplaces where men as well as women have the choice and opportunity to respond to parental and family duties.
Applies to either sex but usually against women
Particular groups of women including indigenous, migrant and minority women are more vulnerable to discrimination
It concerns often indirect discrimination
Protection may be disguised discrimination: protective measures inhibiting women to have access to certain jobs (heavy weight, use of chemicals, hazardous in general).
Sexual harassment; includes quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment. It can include physical, verbal or non verbal actions. It may inlude pornographic pictures, sexist jokes..
Examples: Mexico: pregnancy testing for maquiladoras,
In 1975, the ILO adopted Convention No.156 on Workers with Family Responsibilities. The Convention responds to the need to combine work and family responsibilities and aims to strengthen the protection for all workers with family responsibilities. Member States are to encourage sharing of family responsibilities and to build workplaces where men as well as women have the choice and opportunity to respond to parental and family duties.
11. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Sex/gender discrimination: Examples Male preference in hiring
Mandatory pregnancy testing or questions regarding planned pregnancies during recruitment
Women are forced to retire upon marriage or pregnancy or requiring women not to get pregnant or marry
Excluding women from dangerous job without any justification related to pregnancy or maternity
Working time arrangements that are not related to the requirements of the work that make it impossible for women to carry out the job
Gender-biased allocation of benefits and allowances
12. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Occupational segregation by gender Horizontal and vertical segregation
Various causes
Usually reflects a lack of equal opportunities
May involve direct or indirect discrimination
Gender segregated labour markets or workplaces are a breeding ground for discrimination against women
13. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Race and colour Ethnic group to which an individual belongs to by reason of heredity
Difference in colour is one of the ethnic characteristics
Includes:
Racial/ethnic groups: Uigur in China
Shading: preference for persons of lighter skin
Indigenous and tribal peoples: e.g. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Nepal These grounds are generally examined together since difference of colour is only one, albeit the most apparent, of the ethnic characteristics that differentiate human beings. Colour differences may exist with people of the same race. Under the Convention, race is often considered in a wide sense to include linguistic communities or minorities who identity is based on religious or cultural characteristics, or even national extraction.
There are very few instances where this would be an inherent requirement of the job. Eg. dramatic performances, chairperson of ethnic minority commission specially dealing with their concerns and interest.
These grounds are generally examined together since difference of colour is only one, albeit the most apparent, of the ethnic characteristics that differentiate human beings. Colour differences may exist with people of the same race. Under the Convention, race is often considered in a wide sense to include linguistic communities or minorities who identity is based on religious or cultural characteristics, or even national extraction.
There are very few instances where this would be an inherent requirement of the job. Eg. dramatic performances, chairperson of ethnic minority commission specially dealing with their concerns and interest.
14. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation National extraction Distinctions between the citizens of the same country on the basis of a person’s place of birth, ancestry or foreign origin
Includes:
National or linguistic minorities
Foreigners who have been nationalized
Descendents of foreign immigrants
Does not include differences that may be made between citizens of one country and citizens of another
The Committee of Experts has commented extensively on the situtation of the Roma in some Central and Eastern European Countries such as Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia and Czech Republic. It has also commented on discrimination of linguistic minorities in these countries.
The Committee of Experts has stressed that the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of national extraction along with other grounds is critical to sustainable development, all the more so because of the re-emergence of signs of racism and intolerance. Steps should be taken to raise public awareness and promote tolerance, respect and udnerstanding between ethnic communities and thorughout society.
Bosnia Herzegovina: dismissal of workers with Bosnian or Serbian origin and replaced by Croatian workers.
New Zealand: over-representation of ethnic minorities in low status and low paid jobs.
Mauritania: prejudices in employment of workers of Senegalese originDoes not include differences that may be made between citizens of one country and citizens of another
The Committee of Experts has commented extensively on the situtation of the Roma in some Central and Eastern European Countries such as Lithuania, Hungary, Croatia and Czech Republic. It has also commented on discrimination of linguistic minorities in these countries.
The Committee of Experts has stressed that the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of national extraction along with other grounds is critical to sustainable development, all the more so because of the re-emergence of signs of racism and intolerance. Steps should be taken to raise public awareness and promote tolerance, respect and udnerstanding between ethnic communities and thorughout society.
Bosnia Herzegovina: dismissal of workers with Bosnian or Serbian origin and replaced by Croatian workers.
New Zealand: over-representation of ethnic minorities in low status and low paid jobs.
Mauritania: prejudices in employment of workers of Senegalese origin
15. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Political opinion Activities expressing or demonstrating opposition to the established political principles, or simply a different opinion
Membership or non-membership in a political party or a political or socio-political attitude, civic commitment, moral qualities
Political opinion also includes:
It may cover discrimination on political affilitation
Freedom of expression corollary
May be taken into account in connection with requirement of senior administrative posts
Measures of security of the state are not considered discrimination but appeal procedures must be available.
Examples:
Non recruitment of members of former communist party in public service accross the board and not for certain posts.Political opinion also includes:
It may cover discrimination on political affilitation
Freedom of expression corollary
May be taken into account in connection with requirement of senior administrative posts
Measures of security of the state are not considered discrimination but appeal procedures must be available.
Examples:
Non recruitment of members of former communist party in public service accross the board and not for certain posts.
16. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Social origin When an individual's social origin determines his or her occupational future, either because he or she is denied certain jobs or activities, or because he or she is only assigned certain jobs
Example: class, socio-occupational category, or caste (Dalit’s in India or Nepal, the Buraku in Japan)
The characteristic is that the person is born with this social origin.
In India, for example, while its has been abolish by the Constitution of 1947, the caste system continues to exist and dives the population in different social groups, with the « dalits » at the lowest end of the social ladder. Dalits are denied access to land and are obliged to work in degrading conditions.
The characteristic is that the person is born with this social origin.
In India, for example, while its has been abolish by the Constitution of 1947, the caste system continues to exist and dives the population in different social groups, with the « dalits » at the lowest end of the social ladder. Dalits are denied access to land and are obliged to work in degrading conditions.
17. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Religion Distinctions based on whether a person is or is not of a certain faith or belongs to a certain sect
Includes expression or manifestation of belief
Includes atheism
A striking example is the persistent discrimination in employment and occupation of members of the Bahai community in Iran. In Ireland, the number of unemployed men of Catholic faith is 13%, while the number of unemployed prostestant men is 5 %.
Case of Afganistan under the Taliban
The manifestation or expression includes affiliation, clothing, ceremonies. Example: case of Turkey: ban on wearing headscarf by women (indirect discrimination) in public service and schools.
The freedom to practice a religion can be hindered by the constraints of a trade or occupation, particularly in regard to the manifestation of discrimination. This may happen when a religion prohibits work on different days of rest established by law or custom, or in requirements of particular clothing. In these cases, the worker’s right to practice a religion needs to be weighed against the need to meet the requirements inherent in the job or the operational requirements.
A striking example is the persistent discrimination in employment and occupation of members of the Bahai community in Iran. In Ireland, the number of unemployed men of Catholic faith is 13%, while the number of unemployed prostestant men is 5 %.
Case of Afganistan under the Taliban
The manifestation or expression includes affiliation, clothing, ceremonies. Example: case of Turkey: ban on wearing headscarf by women (indirect discrimination) in public service and schools.
The freedom to practice a religion can be hindered by the constraints of a trade or occupation, particularly in regard to the manifestation of discrimination. This may happen when a religion prohibits work on different days of rest established by law or custom, or in requirements of particular clothing. In these cases, the worker’s right to practice a religion needs to be weighed against the need to meet the requirements inherent in the job or the operational requirements.
18. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Other grounds Other grounds added in national legislations include:
Age
Disability
State of health
Family responsibilities
Sexual orientation
Nationality
Trade union affiliation or lack thereof
Convention no. 111 only refers to seven ground of discrimination, which represent a minimum standard, but a growing number of countries are including other grounds in their national constitutions, legislations, regulations intended to eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation.
The Convention does not specify nationality as one of the prohibited grounds, which does not mean it does not apply to nationals and non-nationals. In other words, when any individual, whether he or she is a national of the country (which has ratified the Convention) he or she is working in, is a victim of discrimination in employment or occupation on the base of any of the ground covered, then it is under the scope of the Convention. It does not cover policies or un equal treatment of nationals and non-nationals based on criteria of nationality.There are two Conventions that refer directly to migrant workers (I.e. C.97 and 143).
Convention no. 111 only refers to seven ground of discrimination, which represent a minimum standard, but a growing number of countries are including other grounds in their national constitutions, legislations, regulations intended to eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation.
The Convention does not specify nationality as one of the prohibited grounds, which does not mean it does not apply to nationals and non-nationals. In other words, when any individual, whether he or she is a national of the country (which has ratified the Convention) he or she is working in, is a victim of discrimination in employment or occupation on the base of any of the ground covered, then it is under the scope of the Convention. It does not cover policies or un equal treatment of nationals and non-nationals based on criteria of nationality.There are two Conventions that refer directly to migrant workers (I.e. C.97 and 143).
19. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation What is not discrimination? Inherent requirements of the job
Measures affecting an individual who is suspected of or engaged in activities prejudicial to the security of the State
Special measures of protection and assistance
Convention No. 111 sets aside categories of measures which "shall not be deemed to be discrimination":
Inherent requirements for the job:This exception must be interpreted restrictively. When qualifications are required for a particular job, it may not be simple to distinguish between what does and what does not constitute discrimination. The necessary qualifications may be defined as those required by the characteristics of the particular job, in proportion to its inherent requirements but in no circumstances may the same qualification be required for an entire sector of activity. Careful examination of each case is required. Similarly, exclusions of certain occupations or jobs based on one or more of the grounds listed is contrary to the Convention. For example:
Language proficiency requirements for certain jobs that involve interaction with the public, or civil service positions, but may not be reasonable for a night janitor. … How about a requirement for an artistic performance?
Requirement on the basis of sex may include performing arts, jobs involving particularly intimacy. Restrictions with respect to some jobs in particular religious institutions may be acceptable. Political opinion may be acceptable for senior administrative posts.
Special measures of protection or assistance: There are two kinds of special measures of protection and assistance: measures of protection and assistance provided for in international labour Conventions and Recommendations, and measures taken after consultation with employers' and workers' organizations and designed to meet the particular requirements of persons who for reasons such as sex, age, disablement, family responsibilities or social or cultural status, require special protection or assistance.
For instance, special measures which may be taken on behalf of indigenous or tribal peoples or disabled or older persons, as well as those designed to protect maternity or the health of women, and which are expressly recognized as non-discriminatory. … And prohibiting night work for women in industries?
Measures affecting an individual who is suspected of or engaged in activities prejudicial to the security of the State: ". It must be applied strictly in order to avoid undue limitations on the protection which the Convention seeks to guarantee, and provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to appeal to a competent body established in accordance with national practice. The body of appeal should be impartial and independent from administrative or governmental authorities.
It covers activities of which an individual is justifiably suspected or convicted with the exclusion of mere membership of a particular group or community. It covers activities which may be qualified as prejudicial to the security of the state. The expression of opinions or religious, philosophical or political beliefs is not a sufficient base for the application of the exception.
Convention No. 111 sets aside categories of measures which "shall not be deemed to be discrimination":
Inherent requirements for the job:This exception must be interpreted restrictively. When qualifications are required for a particular job, it may not be simple to distinguish between what does and what does not constitute discrimination. The necessary qualifications may be defined as those required by the characteristics of the particular job, in proportion to its inherent requirements but in no circumstances may the same qualification be required for an entire sector of activity. Careful examination of each case is required. Similarly, exclusions of certain occupations or jobs based on one or more of the grounds listed is contrary to the Convention. For example:
Language proficiency requirements for certain jobs that involve interaction with the public, or civil service positions, but may not be reasonable for a night janitor. … How about a requirement for an artistic performance?
Requirement on the basis of sex may include performing arts, jobs involving particularly intimacy. Restrictions with respect to some jobs in particular religious institutions may be acceptable. Political opinion may be acceptable for senior administrative posts.
Special measures of protection or assistance: There are two kinds of special measures of protection and assistance: measures of protection and assistance provided for in international labour Conventions and Recommendations, and measures taken after consultation with employers' and workers' organizations and designed to meet the particular requirements of persons who for reasons such as sex, age, disablement, family responsibilities or social or cultural status, require special protection or assistance.
For instance, special measures which may be taken on behalf of indigenous or tribal peoples or disabled or older persons, as well as those designed to protect maternity or the health of women, and which are expressly recognized as non-discriminatory. … And prohibiting night work for women in industries?
Measures affecting an individual who is suspected of or engaged in activities prejudicial to the security of the State: ". It must be applied strictly in order to avoid undue limitations on the protection which the Convention seeks to guarantee, and provided that the individual concerned shall have the right to appeal to a competent body established in accordance with national practice. The body of appeal should be impartial and independent from administrative or governmental authorities.
It covers activities of which an individual is justifiably suspected or convicted with the exclusion of mere membership of a particular group or community. It covers activities which may be qualified as prejudicial to the security of the state. The expression of opinions or religious, philosophical or political beliefs is not a sufficient base for the application of the exception.
20. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Inherent requirements Concept of a particular job refers to a specific and definable job, function or task. Any limitation within the context of this exception must be required by characteristics of the particular job, and be in proportion to its inherent requirements
Certain criteria may be used but not applied to whole sectors, occupations
Example: Equal Treatment Act of Cyprus
21. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Special measures Special measures of protection or assistance provided for in ILO Conventions or Recommendations are not discrimination
Special measures agreed by workers and employers designed to meet special requirements of workers i.e. based on sex, disability, age, family responsibilities, or social or cultural status are not discrimination
Art 5(1): indigenous, older workers, disabled workers, maternity protection
Governments are encouraged to adopt special temporary measures that can focus not only on recruitment but also on issues related to training in employment. The Committee of Experts also encourages Governments to make all possible efforts to allocate adequate resources to institutions and structures responsible for promoting equality. Most affirmative action programmes implemented have been adopted to correct the effects of past discrimination against certain disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities, women and disabled persons. The objectives of special temporary measures are:
- Remedial: designed to compensate for imbalances caused by past discriminatory practices.
- Temporary: intended to put members of groups suffering from past discrimination into a position to compete in the labour market on an equal basis.
- Diversity: to ensure equitable representation of different minority groups in private or public organisations
Components of an affirmative acion programme:
Specific targets as to the actual number of persons represented
Necessary measures to redress the effects of discrimination
A timetable to attain the targets set
A supervisory mechanisms to monitor progress, assess difficulties and determine changes
Art 5(1): indigenous, older workers, disabled workers, maternity protection
Governments are encouraged to adopt special temporary measures that can focus not only on recruitment but also on issues related to training in employment. The Committee of Experts also encourages Governments to make all possible efforts to allocate adequate resources to institutions and structures responsible for promoting equality. Most affirmative action programmes implemented have been adopted to correct the effects of past discrimination against certain disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities, women and disabled persons. The objectives of special temporary measures are:
- Remedial: designed to compensate for imbalances caused by past discriminatory practices.
- Temporary: intended to put members of groups suffering from past discrimination into a position to compete in the labour market on an equal basis.
- Diversity: to ensure equitable representation of different minority groups in private or public organisations
Components of an affirmative acion programme:
Specific targets as to the actual number of persons represented
Necessary measures to redress the effects of discrimination
A timetable to attain the targets set
A supervisory mechanisms to monitor progress, assess difficulties and determine changes
22. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Special temporary measures Enactment of legislation is insufficient to eliminate discrimination in practice. States can take special temporary measures to remedy existing inequalities through affirmative action such as:
Preferential treatment
Monitoring and evaluation
Setting targets Governments are encouraged to adopt special temporary measures that can focus not only on recruitment but also on issues related to training in employment. The Committee of Experts also encourages Governments to make all possible efforts to allocate adequate resources to institutions and structures responsible for promoting equality. Most affirmative action programmes implemented have been adopted to correct the effects of past discrimination against certain disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities, women and disabled persons. The objectives of special temporary measures are:
- Remedial: designed to compensate for imbalances caused by past discriminatory practices.
- Temporary: intended to put members of groups suffering from past discrimination into a position to compete in the labour market on an equal basis.
- Diversity: to ensure equitable representation of different minority groups in private or public organisations
Components of an affirmative acion programme:
Specific targets as to the actual number of persons represented
Necessary measures to redress the effects of discrimination
A timetable to attain the targets set
A supervisory mechanisms to monitor progress, assess difficulties and determine changes
Governments are encouraged to adopt special temporary measures that can focus not only on recruitment but also on issues related to training in employment. The Committee of Experts also encourages Governments to make all possible efforts to allocate adequate resources to institutions and structures responsible for promoting equality. Most affirmative action programmes implemented have been adopted to correct the effects of past discrimination against certain disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities, women and disabled persons. The objectives of special temporary measures are:
- Remedial: designed to compensate for imbalances caused by past discriminatory practices.
- Temporary: intended to put members of groups suffering from past discrimination into a position to compete in the labour market on an equal basis.
- Diversity: to ensure equitable representation of different minority groups in private or public organisations
Components of an affirmative acion programme:
Specific targets as to the actual number of persons represented
Necessary measures to redress the effects of discrimination
A timetable to attain the targets set
A supervisory mechanisms to monitor progress, assess difficulties and determine changes
23. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Elements of a national policy R.111
All persons should enjoy equality of opportunity in respect of:
Access to vocational guidance and placement services
Access to training and employment
Promotion and advancement
Security of tenure of employment
Equal pay for work of equal value
Conditions of work
24. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Elements of a national policy Government should ensure non-discrimination in all employment-related activities
Employers should not practice or tolerate discrimination in hiring or training
The principle should be respected in CBAs
Employers’ and workers’ organizations should not practice or tolerate discrimination
Application of the policy should not adversely affect special measures under Article 5
- Private and public employment agencies should not discriminate in placing potential workers.
- Every individual should have the right to apply for a post of his or her choice. Applications should be considered without discrimination
- Workers and employers organizations should not discriminate in terms of admission, retention or membership.
- Collective negotiations and industrial relations: Parties should respect the principle of equality and should ensure that collective agreements contain no provisions of of a discriminatory nature in respect of access to, training for, advancement in or retention of employment or in respect of the terms and conditions of work.
- Private and public employment agencies should not discriminate in placing potential workers.
- Every individual should have the right to apply for a post of his or her choice. Applications should be considered without discrimination
- Workers and employers organizations should not discriminate in terms of admission, retention or membership.
- Collective negotiations and industrial relations: Parties should respect the principle of equality and should ensure that collective agreements contain no provisions of of a discriminatory nature in respect of access to, training for, advancement in or retention of employment or in respect of the terms and conditions of work.
25. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Means of promotion and enforcement Administrative structures (e.g. labour inspection)
Representative bodies at the enterprise level
Special bodies to promote, investigate, supervise equality and prevent discrimination (EEO commission)
Special temporary measures
Educational programmes Administrative structures: include the labour ministries and the labour inspectorate.
Respresentive bodies at enterprise level composed of workers’ and employer’s representatives
Special bodies: The Recommendation provides for the establishment of agencies assisted by advisory committees composed of representatives of worker’s and employers’ organizations and of other interested bodies, for the purpose of promoting the application of the policy in all fields of public and private emplyoment, and in particular:
To take all practicable measures to foster public understanding and acceptance of the principles of non-discrimination
To receive, examine and investigate complaints that the policy is not being observed and, if necessary by conciliation, to secure correction of any practices regarded as in conflict the the policy;
To consider further any complaints which cannot be effectively settled by conciliation and to render opinions or issue decisions concerning the manner in which discriminatory practices revealed should be corrected.
Administrative structures: include the labour ministries and the labour inspectorate.
Respresentive bodies at enterprise level composed of workers’ and employer’s representatives
Special bodies: The Recommendation provides for the establishment of agencies assisted by advisory committees composed of representatives of worker’s and employers’ organizations and of other interested bodies, for the purpose of promoting the application of the policy in all fields of public and private emplyoment, and in particular:
To take all practicable measures to foster public understanding and acceptance of the principles of non-discrimination
To receive, examine and investigate complaints that the policy is not being observed and, if necessary by conciliation, to secure correction of any practices regarded as in conflict the the policy;
To consider further any complaints which cannot be effectively settled by conciliation and to render opinions or issue decisions concerning the manner in which discriminatory practices revealed should be corrected.
26. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Issues in application Indirect discrimination
Affirmative action/positive action
Lack of enforcement
Administrative
Judicial
Informal economy
Exclusion of certain job from coverage of labour legislation
Equality in the broader context of society
27. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation
The Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and the Equal Remuneration Recommendation, 1951 (No. 90)
Since its foundation in 1919, the question of the observance of equality of opportunity and treatment has been one of the fundamental objectives of the ILO. The first binding instruments adopted with the specific objective of promoting equality where the equal Remuneration Convention and its accompanying Recommendation.
However, it was soon recognized that equal pay for men and women could not be achieved without the elimination of discrimination in all area sof employment and occupation. IN 1958, the ILO adopted Convention No.111 on Discrimination (Emplyoment and Occupation). The principle of elimination of discrimination was reaffirmed in 1998 as a principle inherent in any ILO policy by the adoption of the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up.Since its foundation in 1919, the question of the observance of equality of opportunity and treatment has been one of the fundamental objectives of the ILO. The first binding instruments adopted with the specific objective of promoting equality where the equal Remuneration Convention and its accompanying Recommendation.
However, it was soon recognized that equal pay for men and women could not be achieved without the elimination of discrimination in all area sof employment and occupation. IN 1958, the ILO adopted Convention No.111 on Discrimination (Emplyoment and Occupation). The principle of elimination of discrimination was reaffirmed in 1998 as a principle inherent in any ILO policy by the adoption of the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up.
28. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Objectives Equal remuneration (ER) for men and women for work of equal value
Rates of remuneration without discrimination based on sex
29. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Objectives
To ensure ER in public sector
To promote ER the private sector
30. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Causes of the pay gap Productivity related differences
Job availability
Job selection
Pay structure
Perceived labour costs
Lack of awareness Productivity: Biases based on non-objective perceptions of women’s work, such as:
Lower physical strength
Mental orientation
Biological and social reproduction
Socio-cultural perceptions
Pre-existing inequalities
acquired (education and training), ascribed (dexterity or intelligence) and perceived (caring, decisiveness)
nible fingers (natural skills which do not have to pay paid for), women have lower productivity because of family responsibilities
Job availability: - horizontal and vertical segregation
jobs available for women are usually at the lowest level of the employment ladder or in low-paid occupations. Women and men are concentrated in certain sectors: women in services such as household work, manufacturing, health and education (caring economy); men in construction, finance, truck drivers, etc.
Job selection: – responsibility or choice, household responsibilities, less overtime, part-time work.
Women often chose to work part-time or to work at home because they still have the main responsibility for family and child care. Women often chose jobs with felxible working time or where responibilities are low due to family resposnibilities
Pay structure dispersion or sosial security systems: for example in agriculture collective agreements may still refelct different male and female pay rates, and in some countries different productivity rates are set for men and women
Perceived labour costs: by the employer.
Women costs more because of reproductive role; employer do not want to invest in training because assume that women will leave anyway.
Lack of awareness on gender equality, division of labour, women’s rights, etc.
Productivity: Biases based on non-objective perceptions of women’s work, such as:
Lower physical strength
Mental orientation
Biological and social reproduction
Socio-cultural perceptions
Pre-existing inequalities
acquired (education and training), ascribed (dexterity or intelligence) and perceived (caring, decisiveness)
nible fingers (natural skills which do not have to pay paid for), women have lower productivity because of family responsibilities
Job availability: - horizontal and vertical segregation
jobs available for women are usually at the lowest level of the employment ladder or in low-paid occupations. Women and men are concentrated in certain sectors: women in services such as household work, manufacturing, health and education (caring economy); men in construction, finance, truck drivers, etc.
Job selection: – responsibility or choice, household responsibilities, less overtime, part-time work.
Women often chose to work part-time or to work at home because they still have the main responsibility for family and child care. Women often chose jobs with felxible working time or where responibilities are low due to family resposnibilities
Pay structure dispersion or sosial security systems: for example in agriculture collective agreements may still refelct different male and female pay rates, and in some countries different productivity rates are set for men and women
Perceived labour costs: by the employer.
Women costs more because of reproductive role; employer do not want to invest in training because assume that women will leave anyway.
Lack of awareness on gender equality, division of labour, women’s rights, etc.
31. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Scope of application
Applies to all workers and all sectors
Applies to all elements of remuneration
Implies a comparison between jobs
Elements of remuneration:
basic, ordinary or minimum wage or salary
any other additional emoluments
paid directly or indirectly by the employer
in cash or in kind
out of the workers’ employment
Although no obligation to establish an objective job evaluation sytem, the application of the principle necessarily requires a comparion of jobs – see later.Elements of remuneration:
basic, ordinary or minimum wage or salary
any other additional emoluments
paid directly or indirectly by the employer
in cash or in kind
out of the workers’ employment
Although no obligation to establish an objective job evaluation sytem, the application of the principle necessarily requires a comparion of jobs – see later.
32. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Permissible pay differences Based on objective differences in the work performed
Based on non-sex-based factors such as:
Seniority
Education
Qualifications
Experience
Productivity This is not to say that all payment between men and women must be the same – this would create inefficiencies in pay structure beyond what is called for in the application of the human right of gender equality. The principle of equal pay is not called into question by the practice of paying merit bonuses or special supplements to reward seniority, education, qualifications, experience or Productivity, As long as the paying of these benefits are not based directly or indirecty on discrimination based on sex.This is not to say that all payment between men and women must be the same – this would create inefficiencies in pay structure beyond what is called for in the application of the human right of gender equality. The principle of equal pay is not called into question by the practice of paying merit bonuses or special supplements to reward seniority, education, qualifications, experience or Productivity, As long as the paying of these benefits are not based directly or indirecty on discrimination based on sex.
33. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Methods of wage determination
Legislation
Public service wage classifications
Collective agreements
Wage directives from wage boards
Custom and practice
Individual contracts Legislation
e.g. minimum wage legislation, Labour acts and codes, protection of wages acts, family law
Public service wage classifications
Collective agreements
e.g. enterprise, sector, nationwide
Wage directives from wage boards
Custom and practice
Individual contracts
The Convention provides that the State can ensure or promote the principle of equal pay through:
laws and regulations (for example equal pay legislation (Canada, Switserland, Norway!) minimum wage legislation, regulations concerning specific sectors),
wage-fixing machinary (national boards that establish minimum wages or wage directives). Minimum wages is an important means by which the principle is applied.
collective agreements: indirect forms of discrimination have bene found in CBAs: linking family benefits to themarital status, or using « light » and « heavy » wage scales.
custom or practice or a combination of all methods.
Cooperation with the social partners: apart from collective agreements, this may also include participation of partners in job evaluation exercises and the development of national wage and equal pay policies.
Legislation
e.g. minimum wage legislation, Labour acts and codes, protection of wages acts, family law
Public service wage classifications
Collective agreements
e.g. enterprise, sector, nationwide
Wage directives from wage boards
Custom and practice
Individual contracts
The Convention provides that the State can ensure or promote the principle of equal pay through:
laws and regulations (for example equal pay legislation (Canada, Switserland, Norway!) minimum wage legislation, regulations concerning specific sectors),
wage-fixing machinary (national boards that establish minimum wages or wage directives). Minimum wages is an important means by which the principle is applied.
collective agreements: indirect forms of discrimination have bene found in CBAs: linking family benefits to themarital status, or using « light » and « heavy » wage scales.
custom or practice or a combination of all methods.
Cooperation with the social partners: apart from collective agreements, this may also include participation of partners in job evaluation exercises and the development of national wage and equal pay policies.
34. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Work of equal value (1) Equal or identical work or work in equal or identical conditions
AND
Different kinds of work which based on objective criteria are of equal value The term work of equal value cannot be understood as to mean only equal work or work in equal conditions. The purpose is to be able to evalue jobs in an equitable manner so as to avoid that the remuneration of women is lower by the simple fact that the work is done by women. It is possible to evaluate two different kinds of work by objective criteria such as skills, effort, responsibility and conditions of work.
The concept of equal value:
The principle involves a comparison of the same jobs and of jobs of a different kind but of equal value. « Value » is not defined by the Convention. It refers to the worth of the job (rather than the person who does the job!) for purposes of comparison. The Convention at least indicates that something other than market forces should be used to determine the rates of remuneration and apply the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
In the first case, this means that a male and female professor have to be paid the same wage. That male and female workers in an electronics factory have to get the same wage and allowances.
In the case of equal value this means that work of a different kind is compared to assess whether it has equal value:
- domestic worker (female, low pay) and gardener (male, higher pay); librarian (female) and mechanic (male)
- gambas factory in India: the men are shuffling the schrimps on the table (semi-skilled) physcial strength, higher pay), the women are comparing the schrimps and weighing them (low pay, unskilled).
Comparison beyong the same enterprise allows to compare female dominated industries such as garments with male dominated industries such as construction workers.
The term work of equal value cannot be understood as to mean only equal work or work in equal conditions. The purpose is to be able to evalue jobs in an equitable manner so as to avoid that the remuneration of women is lower by the simple fact that the work is done by women. It is possible to evaluate two different kinds of work by objective criteria such as skills, effort, responsibility and conditions of work.
The concept of equal value:
The principle involves a comparison of the same jobs and of jobs of a different kind but of equal value. « Value » is not defined by the Convention. It refers to the worth of the job (rather than the person who does the job!) for purposes of comparison. The Convention at least indicates that something other than market forces should be used to determine the rates of remuneration and apply the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
In the first case, this means that a male and female professor have to be paid the same wage. That male and female workers in an electronics factory have to get the same wage and allowances.
In the case of equal value this means that work of a different kind is compared to assess whether it has equal value:
- domestic worker (female, low pay) and gardener (male, higher pay); librarian (female) and mechanic (male)
- gambas factory in India: the men are shuffling the schrimps on the table (semi-skilled) physcial strength, higher pay), the women are comparing the schrimps and weighing them (low pay, unskilled).
Comparison beyong the same enterprise allows to compare female dominated industries such as garments with male dominated industries such as construction workers.
35. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Work of equal value (2)
Comparison between jobs is not limited to the same job, the same employer or the same sector
36. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Job evaluation to determine equal value Analytical methodology preferred
Used to classify jobs based on job content
Uses job descriptions
Rating of job content based on responsibility, skill, effort and working conditions Wages rates based on job content requiring job content analysis, description and classification
Rating of job content is based on criteria related to responsibility
skill
effort
working conditions
There are different job evaluation methods but the analytical method (jobs are broken down into sets of compensable factors) is preferred.
The Convention provides that, when effective, measures shall be taken to promote the objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed. The concept of equal remuneration for work of equal value necessarily implies some comparison between jobs. As men and women tend to perform different jobs, it is important to establish appropriate techniques and procedures to evalue the the relative value of a particular job.
The purpose is to be able to evalue jobs in an equitable manner so as to avoid that the remuneration of women is lower by the simple fact that the work is done by women. It is possible to evaluate two different kinds of work by objective criteria such as skills, effort, responsibility and conditions of work.
Skills: technical skills (machinary), interpersonal or communication skills, physical skills, knowledge (materials)
Effort: Initiative and independence, physical or mental demands, emotional demands (stress, difficult people) (includes repetitive work and speed), concentration and precision
Responsibility: For people, Supervision, financial resources or physical resources
Conditions of work: Exposure to disagreeable, unpleasant uncomfortable or hazardous working conditions arising from the environment or people (noice, hunidity, vibrations, …)
Wages rates based on job content requiring job content analysis, description and classification
Rating of job content is based on criteria related to responsibility
skill
effort
working conditions
There are different job evaluation methods but the analytical method (jobs are broken down into sets of compensable factors) is preferred.
The Convention provides that, when effective, measures shall be taken to promote the objective appraisal of jobs on the basis of the work to be performed. The concept of equal remuneration for work of equal value necessarily implies some comparison between jobs. As men and women tend to perform different jobs, it is important to establish appropriate techniques and procedures to evalue the the relative value of a particular job.
The purpose is to be able to evalue jobs in an equitable manner so as to avoid that the remuneration of women is lower by the simple fact that the work is done by women. It is possible to evaluate two different kinds of work by objective criteria such as skills, effort, responsibility and conditions of work.
Skills: technical skills (machinary), interpersonal or communication skills, physical skills, knowledge (materials)
Effort: Initiative and independence, physical or mental demands, emotional demands (stress, difficult people) (includes repetitive work and speed), concentration and precision
Responsibility: For people, Supervision, financial resources or physical resources
Conditions of work: Exposure to disagreeable, unpleasant uncomfortable or hazardous working conditions arising from the environment or people (noice, hunidity, vibrations, …)
37. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Job evaluation systems Job evaluation systems do not automatically promote equal remuneration for work of equal value
Effort must be made to avoid gender bias and to measure aspects of work done by women as well as that typically done by men
38. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation How to avoid gender bias? Make gender equality an objective
Use objective criteria
Avoid stereotypes
Avoid under-valuing tasks
Avoid over-valuing formal credentials
Consider formal and informal experience
39. Discrimination in Employment and Occupation Common forms of discrimination
Jobs or occupations with a female denomination
Under-evaluation of certain jobs or occupations
Invisibility of the qualities, tasks, skills & efforts
Vertical & horizontal occupational segregation Maid, cleaning lady, midwife, nurse, contrary to businessman, workman, seaman,..more obvious examples in French and Spanish (lavandera, secretaria, femme de ménage, sage-femme)
Generally associated with qualities that are so-called extensions of traditional female roles. They include tasks and knowlegde that are generally attributed to women and usually concern tasks related to child-care, nursing, education, …
These qualities are generally ignored during job evaluation: stress resistent, responsibility for people, emotional and interpersonal skills, multi-tasks.
Horizontal segregation: concentration of women in sectors that are tradionally female-dominated such as garments factories, textile, domestic work, cleaning work, ad which are low status and low paid.
Vertical segregation: women are concentrated in profesional categories that are at the lower professional level with short profesional careers, few promotional opportunities, and few training opportunities (secretarial work, cashiers,…)
Maid, cleaning lady, midwife, nurse, contrary to businessman, workman, seaman,..more obvious examples in French and Spanish (lavandera, secretaria, femme de ménage, sage-femme)
Generally associated with qualities that are so-called extensions of traditional female roles. They include tasks and knowlegde that are generally attributed to women and usually concern tasks related to child-care, nursing, education, …
These qualities are generally ignored during job evaluation: stress resistent, responsibility for people, emotional and interpersonal skills, multi-tasks.
Horizontal segregation: concentration of women in sectors that are tradionally female-dominated such as garments factories, textile, domestic work, cleaning work, ad which are low status and low paid.
Vertical segregation: women are concentrated in profesional categories that are at the lower professional level with short profesional careers, few promotional opportunities, and few training opportunities (secretarial work, cashiers,…)