Equal pay for equal work as a component of the socio-economic rights of employees

Abstract

This study intended to add value to the research work previously undertaken on equal pay for equal work as a component of socio-economic right of employees. The study examines the extent and impact of inequalities where employees perform work of comparable worth or equal value whilst pay differences cannot be justified as great disparities exist. The study intended to narrow the gap between theory and practice in the workplaces, to establish whether employee's rights to equal pay for equal work are enforced in accordance with the statutes provided and the Constitution, and to investigate whether employees in workplaces comprehend their rights and knows when and how to exercise them. Another major focus of the study was to demonstrate that although there are rules and regulations in the workplaces, the rights of employees are still being violated and/or overlooked. The extent to which poor implementation of enforcement mechanisms affects this state of things is investigated. Common law perspectives were considered on the specified rights, taking into account other jurisdictions where these rights are implemented and well monitored. The comparison accentuates the aims and objectives of this study. From all the qualitative data collected , I have drawn conclusions on how to improve protection of employee's rights and ultimately their working conditions through an efficient system that assists in monitoring outcomes.