Equal Pay Day this year on February 16
This year, women in Austria are working 47 days without pay compared to men, i.e. until February 16 - in contrast to last year, when it was until February 15. If the framework conditions remain as they are, we will not achieve income equality until 2076, according to the Ombud for Equal Treatment. At 18%, the income gap in Germany is even greater than in Austria - the EPD does not take place until March 7.
"Does it pay to be a man?", with this question the international women's network BPW - Business and Professional Women - is drawing attention to Equal Pay Day this year. BPW has been calculating Equal Pay Day (EPD) for Austria since 2009. The figures for EPD 2023 are based on the 2021 income statistics.
"2021 was also characterized by lockdowns, school closures, extended care obligations, working from home and short-time work. Compared to 2020, the situation has leveled off, but has not improved for women," says Cornelia Pessenlehner, President of BPW Austria. The pandemic has forced many women into part-time work or out of work altogether. These women fall out of the statistics. These statistics only compare employees who are in full-time employment all year round.
Gender pay gap
The gender pay gap currently stands at 13%. That is 47 calendar days that women work without pay. On average in Austria, this results in a difference of around €6,000 per year. Extrapolated over a working life of 40 years, a woman could afford a condominium for this money. At the same time, the lower income reduces the pension assessment basis. As a result, women's pensions are on average €700 lower than men's pensions.
In Austria, there is a high gender pay gap between women and men compared to other European countries. The figures from Statistics Austria also allow for regional comparisons within Austria, as the federal state is decisive for the actual level of the pay gap. While the pay gap in Vienna is relatively small at 3%, there is a gap of 22% in Vorarlberg!
On Equal Pay Day 2023, the following applies more than ever before: "We are all called upon to create income transparency. Let's talk about it and demand all the necessary data from companies. This is the only way to achieve fair pay that does not discriminate against either women or men!"
The urgent need for income equality is also reflected in the 2030 Agenda and is an important sustainability goal SDG #5 but also SDG #10 for tackling the climate crisis.
https://news.pro.earth/2023/01/27/un-nachhaltigkeitsziel-5-gleichberechtigung/
Sources:
Press release Equal Pay Day Austria and EPD Germany
