This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
“Today, and every day, NUPGE is committed to fighting for equal pay for equal work for our members — and for all workers — across the country.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer
Ottawa (17 Sept. 2021) — Tomorrow, September 18, marks the second annual International Equal Pay Day. It is a time to promote action towards achieving equal pay for work of equal value.
“It is, simply put, unacceptable that a gender pay gap still exists,” said Bert Blundon, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). “Today, and every day, NUPGE is committed to fighting for equal pay for equal work for our members — and for all workers — across the country.”
“With this year’s International Equal Pay Day coming during a federal election, it is a reminder to consider how the candidates are committing to advancing pay equity, specifically, and gender equality more broadly.”
Why an international day?
In November 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming September 18 as International Equal Pay Day.
According to the UN, the General Assembly
voiced deep concern over slow progress in women’s economic empowerment, the undervaluing of work traditionally held by women, and the difficulties in tackling pay inequality. The General Assembly urged action to reach the goal of equal pay for work of equal value for all, and encouraged all stakeholders to continue to support the goal of equal pay for work of equal value.
Gender pay gap persists
The gender pay gap is alive and well in Canada.
Last year, NUPGE developed a fact sheet on pay equity in Canada, which helps to break down the gender pay gap and where it comes from. It is available on our website.
The exact size of the pay gap depends on how it’s calculated. On average, women workers earn between 69¢ and 87¢ for every dollar earned by men (Canadian Women’s Foundation). And these figures are just averages. The pay gap is even wider for Indigenous women, women with disabilities, racialized women, and newcomer women.
Pay equity must be part of pandemic recovery
The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) will be organizing an online celebration the day before, on September 17. A panel will discuss efforts “to ensure that equal pay remains central to pandemic responses worldwide and to fully recognize the contributions of women to COVID-19 recovery” (EPIC).
Watch the EPIC website and Twitter for information on how to take part in International Equal Pay Day.