GENEVA-ACTRAV INFO- As key actors in the world of work, trade unions have an important role to play in addressing the gender pay gap, according to new research commissioned by the ILO’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV).

Closing the Gender Pay Gap: What role for Trade Unions , analyses the role trade unions can play and are playing at different policy levels in respect of both overall wage inequality and gender-specific wage inequality.

“Despite widespread recognition of the importance of addressing pay inequalities between men and women, progress in closing the gender pay gap has been slow. Trade unions must continue to address this challenge. This report suggests a way forward,” said Maria Helena André, Director of ACTRAV.

Gender pay gaps must be seen in the broader context of gender inequality, including women’s more limited access to paid employment, under-utilization of skills, the unequal division of tasks within the household, or the over-representation of women in low-paid and vulnerable employment.

Actions trade unions can take to close the gender pay gap range from targeting overall gender discrimination, promoting inclusive wage setting, pursuing specific gender pay equality measures, to enhancing women’s representation in decision-making.

The research fed into an ILO ACTRAV policy brief  which addresses key challenges and opportunities for workers’ organizations in achieving effective involvement in wage negotiations on equal pay for work of equal value. The policy brief also includes the outcomes of a global survey on the role of trade unions in wage setting for gender equality.

The paper and the policy brief are part of a comprehensive ILO approach on the issue of equal pay, and complement the Global Wage Report 2018/19: What lies behind gender pay gaps, the A quantum leap for gender equality  as well as the work of the Equal Pay International Coalition. 

For more information, please contact:
Rafael Peels
ACTRAV Focal Point on Gender Pay Gap