Trade union federation calls for an end to income disparities
Published: Friday, Mar 8th 2024, 12:40
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On the occasion of International Women's Day on Friday, the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) called for an end to gender pay inequality. Women still work significantly more often in low-paid sectors than men.
As a result of low wages, women also receive a third less pension than men. Today, poverty in old age is female. In order to change this, wage discrimination must be consistently combated and wages in "feminized" professions such as cleaning, retail or childcare must be significantly increased, the SGB statement continued.
Women in Switzerland take on the main responsibility for care work in particular. This is still done at the expense of securing their livelihood, although this is a task for society as a whole.
A comprehensive and affordable childcare infrastructure is therefore needed. Childcare services for adults and children must be organized as a public service and financed on a solidarity basis through taxes. According to the SGB, a good quality childcare service can only be achieved with higher wages and good working conditions for staff.
The trade union Unia also called for higher wages and decisive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace on Friday. Unia focused on the hospitality industry. According to the union, many employees are suffering from inflation and are having to accept a drop in income.
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