asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that he was President of the International Labour Conference in June, 1962, he will consider implementing the principle of equal pay for men and women in this country as embodied in the I.L.O. Charter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equal Pay for Men and Women.
39.
The general policy in relation to the determination of wage rates is that they should, so far as possible, be negotiated freely between employers' and workers' organisations. If workers' trade unions desire to ensure equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value, it is always open to them, in negotiating wage agreements with employers, to seek to implement this principle as embodied in the International Labour Constitution and in International Labour Convention No. 100.
Since the Convention expressly provides that its principles may be applied by means of collective agreements between employers and workers, the enactment of legislation on the subject would not necessarily be required.
Would the Minister say if there is any effort to do it within the Civil Service?
There has been no change generally in the regulations. The Deputy knows the rules about single men and the relation of salaries given to single men and women.
Would the Minister make recommendations to the Federated Union of Employers?
Get the trade union position clear first.
Do not throw it back on the trade unions. Surely the Minister will make recommendations having regard to our country's subscription to the ILO Charter?
The principle has been accepted. Were not our representatives at the Conference?
The principle of settling these matters by collective agreements, yes.
The principle of equal pay—that has been accepted as well, has it not?
Yes.
For equal work.