Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap in the Republic of  Ireland has been stuck around 15% for far  too long, despite longstanding Irish and EU legal protections against direct gender pay discrimination. This pay gap also contributes to poverty in retirement for many women. Conference applauds trade union and other initiatives aimed at closing the gap, including the Clockedout social media campaign, and believes that Congress and its af liates should actively prioritise narrowing the gender pay gap through both political campaigning and bargaining strategy. Conference therefore calls on Congress to: Actively campaign for legislation (similar to that in force in Britain and elsewhere) to oblige medium and large employers to publish details of their organisations gender pay gap. Develop guidance for af liates on special measures to gender-proof pay claims and pay structures. These would address issues like time spent out of the workplace in order to meet caring commitments, and the potential for shortening long pay scales which can, in certain circumstances, indirectly discriminate against women. Support af liates pressing for pay improvements in highly feminised sectors of the economy including elder care, early education, care and education of children with special needs, retail, hospitality and clerical and administrative work. Support broader social campaigns to promote gender equality in domestic and caring environments, as well as in the workplace and throughout society. Conference also calls on Congress af liates to support these initiatives and prioritise them in their campaigns and bargaining strategies.