The gender pay gap has narrowed by 0.7 percentage points to 21.1% over the past 12 months, driven by a larger increase in women's average base salary (up $3,419 or 4%) than achieved by men ($2,895 or 2.8%), the annual WGEA Gender Equality Scorecard reveals.
A FAAA bid to overhaul flight attendants' modern award based on gender-based undervaluation and changes to the nature of their work over the past two decades is seeking to boost pay rates by up to 62%, to a level beyond what some are paid under their agreements.
FWC President Adam Hatcher has asked parties to the SCHADS award gender undervaluation case to consider participating in an ASU-proposed conference to resolve outstanding issues, saying that if it proceeds, he will give any consensus deal arising from it "significant weight".
The ASU will forge ahead with nationwide protests tomorrow despite the Australian Industry Group's accusations that it is engaging in unlawful retaliation and intimidation, ahead of a hearing of the SCHADS award gender undervaluation case on Monday.
The FWC has approved the SDA's plan to add three women-only roles to its national executive, to guarantee 25% of the majority-female union's national executive are women, up from the current 11%.
More women are being appointed to managerial roles but their high resignation rates are undermining gender equality gains, while occupational segregation remains a key driver of inequality, according to a new WGEA report.
Australian women are more likely than men to retire early, citing health concerns, menopause, pay imbalances and caring responsibilities, but many say pay parity and greater flexibility would help them stay in the workforce longer, according to a seven-country survey.
Dental therapists and assistants covered by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers award would have FWC-proposed pay increases of up to 35% phased in over three years from January 1, under a consent position reached between employers and unions in a major gender-based undervaluation case.
The ASU is urging the FWC to scrap proposed changes to the SCHADS Award that it says could result in 73% of covered workers losing pay, and begin a new review with a broader remit.
