M. van Klaveren, K.G. Tijdens, M. Hughie-Williams and N.E. Ramos Martin
Legislation (2.4.1). Azerbaijan has ratified the eight core ILO Labour Conventions. The Constitution pro-
vides for the right to strike, but there are exceptions. The State prohibits unions from carrying out political
activities. In the informal economy the government did not enforce contracts or labour legislation.
Labour relations and wage-setting (2.4.2). Depending on how many members the affiliates of the ATUC,
the only union confederation, have, union density may vary between 42 and 91%. The national process of
wage-setting seems to be orchestrated top-down, but some reservations should be made, like on bilateral
government agreements with multinational enterprises (MNEs), setting aside labour laws. Unions also rarely
participate in determining wage levels in the state sector.
The statutory minimum wage (2.5.1). Since 2008 the administratively set minimum wage is AZN 75, or 27%
of the country’s average monthly wage. Since 2004, the value of the MW has been about this level. In prac-
tice the MW is not effectively enforced.
Poverty (2.5.2). For 2008, it was officially estimated that less than 13% of the population lived below
the national poverty line. This is questioned by various research outcomes, suggesting a more grim picture,
though the trend towards less poverty and greater equality cannot be denied. Economic independence is
far-away for many women, in particular for many young women. Female-headed households are much more
locked in poverty than male-headed households.
Population and fertility (2.6.1). Azerbaijan has a rather low and decreasing population growth, currently
lower than 0.8% yearly. The 2009 sex ratio at birth is 1.13 male/female. The total fertility rate (slightly above
2.0 children per woman) and the adolescent fertility rate (44 per 1,000) are rather low but the adolescent rate
is increasing. Early marriage is uncommon but increasing too.
Health (2.6.2). In 2007, the number of people in Azerbaijan living with HIV was estimated at 7,800.
Though HIV/AIDS is much more a men’s disease, female risk groups include trafficked women and girls
and injecting drug users. Levels of public awareness of HIV/AIDS are very low, as is the case for knowl-
edge on contraceptive prevalence. Health disparities are large, including urban — rural divides.
Women’s labour market share (2.6.3). Women make up nearly half of the country’s labour force. In 2008 five
of the 15 industries showed a female share above this average. Nearly half of all women employed could
be found at the bottom of the labour market, in elementary occupations. Among legislators, senior officials
and managers the female share was with 6% very low, but women made up majorities among professionals
(54%) and among technicians and associate professionals (53%).
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