The Ministerial Agreement No. MDT-2025-006, issued by the Minister of Labor, Abg. Ivonne Elizabeth Núñez Figueroa on January 8, 2025, issues the Regulations to operationalize the process of compliance with the obligations established in the Organic Law for Equal Pay between Women and Men.
The main axes established in the Ministerial Agreement define the following responsibilities of employers in both the public and private sectors:
1. Mandatory training: 40 hours minimum per year for workers and employees on issues of gender, labor rights, and non-discrimination.
2. Awareness: Implement actions that raise awareness about gender equality and the value of work.
3. Annual reports: Employers must report training and awareness actions in January of each year.
4. Sanctions: Failure to comply with the first three axes provides for sanctions.
5. Certification of compliance: Compliance with the first three axes allows the employer to access the certification of compliance with obligations to achieve equal pay between men and women.
6. Procedure for complaints: A new procedure is provided for in the event of wage discrimination before the Labour Inspector, as well as the possibility of going before the labour judge, who will be competent to determine the violation of rights in the field of wages and, as a consequence, order the retroactive payment of remuneration and the setting of remuneration in accordance with the principles of equality at work.
The Ministerial Agreement seeks to ensure equal pay between women and men in compliance with the Organic Law for Equal Pay. The Regulations enter into force as of their publication in the Official Register.
Quito D.M. / Guayaquil, January 2025
