About us
The Commission for Equality in Labour and Employment (CITE) was created in 1979 in order to fight discrimination and promote equality between women and men in labour, in employment and in vocational training, in both the public and the private sectors, as provided for in the Portuguese Constitution and laws.
It is a tripartite commission composed of representatives from government and social partners – Portuguese Retail and Services Confederation (CCP), General Confederation of Portuguese Workers – National Trades Union (CGTP-IN), Confederation of Portuguese Industry (CIP) and General Workers’ Union (UGT).
Its main responsibilities are to promote:
- Equality and non-discrimination between women and men in labour, in employment and in vocational training;
- Protection of parentality (maternity, paternity and adoption);
- Reconciliation of professional, personal and family life.
It comes under the authority of the Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity, in articulation with the Secretary of State for Equality.
Law no. 35/2004, of 29th July, regulating Law no. 99/2003, of 27th August,
which approved the Labour Code (Articles 494, 495 and 497 to 499)
Decree-Law no. 211/2006, of 27th October, approving the Legal Framework
of the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity (Article 32)
Law no. 59/2008, of 11th September, approving the Legal Framework governing
Public Service Employment Contracts (Articles 297, 298 and 300 to 302)