The just released June Quarterly Employment Survey shows the average pay gap between men and women has widened in the last quarter to 12.81 percent, up half a percent since March.

Two months ago the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Pansy Wong, claimed that the gender pay gap had narrowed since her Government took office

TEU women’s vice president Dr Sandra Grey says the government closed the Pay and Employment Equity unit, saying its work was done.  Now the gap is widening, what will the government do?

“Pay and employment equity reviews, including those in the polytechnic sector, not only provided evidence of the gender pay gap but some reasons as to why this gap persists.”

Reviews in the polytechnic sector in 2009 show that the pay gap ranges from 6 percent to 32 percent. Equity issues such as a gendered difference in starting salaries, fewer training and development opportunities, and less access to committees and key decision-making fora, have all been identified as factors potentially contributing to the gender pay gap in the ITP sector. All these matters can and should be addressed.”

Massey University is currently undertaking a pay and employment equity review, Victoria is about to commence a limited review of two particular groups of workers, and both Canterbury and AUT have indicated they will undertake a pay and employment equity review next year.

“This is recognition that the gender pay gap needs to be addressed within the sector. If tertiary institutions wish to recruit and retain women they need to show they are committed to ensuring pay and employment equity for women.” said Dr Grey.