Income inequality: mothers earn 3,000 euros less than men!

Income inequality: mothers earn 3,000 euros less than men!

On April 25, 2025, the Court of Auditors' income report for 2024 pointed out serious deficiencies in income equality in Austria. The report shows that on average, women earn only 88% of what men do. Alexander Petschnig, member of the National Council for the Freedom Party, emphasizes that this is a significant problem that not only exists between the sexes, but also particularly discriminates against mothers.

Petschnig emphasizes the need to take into account the realities of mothers' lives, as they earn an average of 3,000 euros less per year than their non-maternal colleagues. This gap is partly explained by non-work commitments as well as differences in the industries in which women work. Although there are initiatives to support mothers, many of them have been rejected in the political discussion or put on the back burner, Petschnig explains.

Unfair pay gaps between genders

The gender pay gap in Austria was 18.8% according to 2021 data, as highlighted by the Equal Treatment Ombudsman. In comparison, the EU average is 12.7%. The difference in income is not entirely based on objectively explainable factors. A significant proportion remains inappropriate and discriminatory towards women, adding to the challenges mothers face. The unadjusted gender pay gap also reflects structural inequalities such as women working more part-time.

The Equal Treatment Ombudsman also emphasizes that companies with more than 150 employees must submit an anonymized income report every two years, which is intended to provide a more transparent insight into earnings structures. The reports are intended to provide a basis for company measures to combat wage discrimination.

Demands for change

Petschnig criticizes the fact that many political parties advocate income equality but do not take any concrete measures to support mothers. This leads to a further increase in inequality and a lack of understanding of the challenges that parents face in their working lives. He calls on the governing parties to take measures to recognize the life achievements of parents, especially mothers.

This discussion about equal pay is not only determined by the gender pay gap, but also by additional factors such as the gender employment gap and the gender hours gap. These various aspects of earnings inequality must be considered together in order to strive for a comprehensive solution that also addresses skills shortages and the issue of pension security.

In summary, the income report highlights the existing inequalities in pay that not only disadvantage women, but especially mothers. Alexander Petschnig's arguments highlight the urgent need for political action to address these problems in order to create a more just society.