Europe
The European Commission has published a report looking at the measures needed to tackle gender equality. This is not just about reducing the persistent gender pay gap but about dealing with inequalities between men and women across society. The Commission plans to publish a Communication on the pay gap but in the meantime as set out a roadmap - a list of actions to be taken to tackle political, economic and social inequality.
Read more at > European Commission
The government has set up a commission of researchers to investigate the persistent gender pay gap, according to the EIRO industrial relations observatory. The commission will report its recommendations to the government by the end of March 2008. The social partners are not represented directly on the Commission but will be involved in the process through a consultative group. One issue the Commission will consider is whether legal changes are necessary to tackle the longstanding pay differences between occupations and industries traditionally seen as male and female. [Read more at > EIRO (EN)
In a joint press release the ETUC and EPSU underlined the need for urgent action to tackle the gender pay gap. They were reacting to the publication of the European Commission's Action Plan which addresses eight core themes: improving the application of the equal pay principle; combating segregation in occupations and sectors; initiatives to deal with vertical segregation; reducing the care penalty; better valorizing women's skills, efforts and responsibilities; exposing inequalities and stereotypes; informing about the gender pay gap and enhancing partnerships.
