TNAG-0784-FCO40-988-Application-of-international-labour-conventions-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 31

Article

NO.

1

Provisions

3

Comments

For the purpose of this Convention

basic

(a) the term "remuneration" includes the ordinary,

or minimum wage or salary and any additional emolu- ments whatsoever payable directly or indirectly, whether in cash or in kind, by the employer to the worker and arising out of the worker's employment; (b) the term "equal remuneration for men and women

workers for work of equal value" refers to rates of remuneration established without discrimination based on sex.

The term "work of equal value" referred to in the text of the convention is vague. Does value refer to 'economic' or 'social' or both? How accurately can value be compared or measured?

2

Each Member shall, by means appropriate to the methods in operation for determining rates of remuneration, promote and, in so far as is consistent with such methods, ensure the application to all workers of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women workers for work of equal value.

This principle may be applied by means of -

(a) national laws or regulations;

(b)

(၁)

(a)

legally established or recognised machinery for wage determination;

collective agreements between employers and workers; or

a combination of these various means.

Wage rates in Hong Kong are determined by the market mechanism of supply and demand of labour.

If the principle of equal remuneration for men and women on work of equal value is to be applied in Hong Kong, legislation would have to be introduced. There is no legally established or recognised machinery for wage determination and collective agreements are rare in Hong Kong.