Equality, Energy
Research exposes how performance pay widens pay gap
A new research briefing from the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) shows not only that performance-related pay (PRP) is becoming increasingly prevalent across the EU but that it contributes to pay inequalities between men and women. Men are more likely to get PRP, and in higher amounts, because it tends to be available in larger firms, at the higher end of the wage distribution, for full-time rather than part-time work, and in certain sectors and occupations. The ETUI argues that the current EU equal pay legal framework and proposed Directive on pay transparency, may only be of limited
Unions highlights impact of rising prices in promoting its equality campaign
The FOA trade union has raised its concerns about the impact of rising inflation on workers’ incomes and particularly those on low pay. The union says it will take action to try to protect workers’ purchasing power but that it wants to do more than this with its campaign on equality – “More equality lifts us all”. While pay is important, FOA wants to ensure broader issues of equality are also addressed in terms, for example, of consumption opportunities and recognition of traditional women's professions. The union also underlines the importance of reducing inequality by increased access to
Guaranteeing the right to affordable clean energy for all Europeans
EPSU and EAPN (European Anti-Poverty Network) together with hundreds of organisations, grassroots activists and policymakers gathered last week at the Right to Energy Forum, the biggest annual event on energy poverty in Europe.
Health and social care workers take action and energy workers plan strike
On 18 January unions (UNSA, FO and CFDT) representing technical and administrative staff in health and social care organised national strike action over pay, with union leaders meeting representatives of the health ministry on the following day. The unions are angry that commitments to review pay were not met by the end of 2021 and that a meeting of unions and employers planned for January was further postponed. The unions are concerned that a range of professions working in health, eldercare and disabled care in the public and private sectors have yet to benefit from the major “Ségur”
Unions agree equality plan with Red Cross
Public service federations from the CCOO and UGT confederations have signed an equality action plan with the Red Cross that will cover its 10500 female and 4000 male employees. The plan will come into effect from 1 January 2022 and be valid for four years. It covers 12 major objectives that include 107 measures on issues such as staff selection and promotion, training in equality and the prevention and response to gender violence, including extraordinary aid to support those Red Cross workers who may suffer from it. The plan includes a protocol for the prevention of and action against sexual
ETUC highlights data showing increase in wage gap
In its continuing campaign to underline the importance of implementing a strong and effective directive on minimum wages, the ETUC has release figures showing that the gap in earnings between the richest and poorest Europeans grew in a majority of EU countries over the last decade. The ‘unequal Europe’ report produced by the ETUC and its ETUI research institute shows wage inequality increased in 14 member states between 2010 and 2019, most notably in Hungary, Spain and Belgium. The analysis suggests that trend is the result of a decrease in the share of workers covered by collective bargaining
EPSU and 44 civil society actors call on EU to deliver on Renovation Wave commitment to tackle energy poverty
Over 45 NGOs, trade unions and social justice groups have sent an open letter to the EU Commission today, urging them to start tackling energy poverty by delivering on its commitment to deep renovate over 35 million homes.