Unions seek to blacklist Swiss firms that underpay women
The workers’ union umbrella group Travail Suisse is calling for the introduction of a blacklist to shame Swiss companies that fail to pay women and men equally.
This is one of 28 recommendations which feature in a position paper published by Travail Suisse External linkon Monday, on the eve of International Workers’ Day.
In 2017, women in Switzerland earned on average CHF600 ($607) less per month than their male counterparts.
According to Travail Suisse and its ten affiliated federations, men are also victims of discrimination. The majority of those who work full time would like to work part time, but only 17.5% are able to do so. The report also noted that there was no legal basis for paternity leave in Switzerland.
+ Earlier this year, the Swiss Trade Federation also called for equal pay
Travail Suisse is also calling for better protection of people who care for adults and sick relatives. This unpaid work – done by women, mainly – punishes the carers, who end up with smaller pensions as a result of taking time off from their paid jobs.
Demographic change and the shortage of qualified personnel will create a greater need for this unpaid care, notes Travail Suisse, which is calling on Swiss lawmakers to protect citizens. It would also like to see tax reform to eliminate discrimination related to marital status.
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