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- Ελληνικά
The Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, on the occasion of 15 November 2023, the European Equal Pay Day, recalls and stresses the importance of respecting the right to equal pay for work of equal value in order to bridge the pay gap between men and women.
15 November marks European Equal Pay Day for men and women, as taking into account the current rate of the pay gap in the EU, this translates into unpaid work for women between now and the end of the year.
The gender pay gap is a multi-level issue and has been of particular concern to the European Union since, in addition to being a social justice deficit, it is an obstacle to economic growth, prevents the full utilisation of the female workforce and translates cumulatively into a pension gap, putting women at greater risk of poverty. Progress over time has been steady but slow. The most positive and recent development at European level was the adoption, in May 2023, of the Directive "Strengthening the implementation of the principle of equal pay for equal work between men and women for equal work or work of equal value through wage transparency and enforcement mechanisms". The Directive aims to enhance wage transparency from the start of employment and is expected to strengthen efforts to reduce the pay gap. In full engagement with the European Union, the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is prioritising and orienting its next interventions towards actions that will enhance wage transparency, as transparency seems to be key to achieving further progress.
Based on the latest data (2021), the pay gap between men and women in Cyprus stands at 9.7%, compared to the EU average of 12.7%.
Based on the latest data (2021), the pay gap between men and women in Cyprus stands at 9.7%, compared to the EU average of 12.7%. This rate ranks Cyprus in the 7th best position. Significant progress has been achieved in terms of the indicator over time (35% reduction over the last decade), however the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance is not complacent towards the goal of fully closing the gap.
Increased information on wages should make it easier for workers to claim their right to equal pay, but also for employers and social partners to take appropriate action to ensure the implementation of the right to equal pay for equal work and work of equal value. In this context, the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance calls on everyone - employers, workers, employees, trade unions and employers' organisations and civil society in general - to assist in this direction, with a view to effectively consolidating equal pay.
(KKK/ASP)
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