Equal money for equal work: Landecker talks on Equal Pay Day

Equal money for equal work: Landecker talks on Equal Pay Day

On October 9, 2024, a crucial conversation took place in Landeck in which representatives of the Austrian Trade Union Confederation (ÖGB) dealt with an explosive topic: the upcoming Equal Pay Day. This day, which will be celebrated in the Landeck district on October 12, 2024, is not just a date, but a symbol of the wage inequality that still exists between men and women. From this point on, women work mathematically without pay until the end of the year, as their salaries are significantly lower compared to men.

The alarming figures show that the Landeck district is one of the leaders in Tyrol in a negative sense. According to Herbert Frank, regional chairman of the ÖGB for Oberland and Ausserfern, the situation is so serious that out of 1,321 unemployed people in the Landeck district, 821 are women. This sheds critical light on the labor market in the region.

Difficult situation on the labor market

The problems on the labor market continue to be complex. Frank expresses his concern: “The job market is also partly unproductive.” Older workers in particular face discrimination and many are unable to find new jobs after becoming unemployed. Women are particularly affected here, as many unemployed women go straight into retirement.

In order to overcome these challenges, the ÖGB calls for effective protection against dismissal for employees aged 55 and over as well as long-term employment opportunities in the so-called “second labor market”. In addition, the opportunities for training and further education must be expanded in order to give disadvantaged people employment opportunities. Frank also sees the urgent need to secure important replacements in the public service in order to ensure medical care for the population.

Philip Wohlgemuth, chairman of the ÖGB Tirol, emphasizes the urgency of improving the employment situation and supports the calls for more support for employees: “Every unemployed person is one too many,” he explains. Particular attention is also paid to the integration of migrants into the labor market. Wohlgemuth suggests that German courses should be introduced directly into companies. “It's not just about communication, but also about safety and understanding the work instructions,” he adds.

Promoting youth and empowering women

The industry also sees the need to specifically support young people who are looking for training positions. Wohlgemuth emphasizes: “The teaching must be upgraded again.” In this context, he appeals to companies to train more skilled workers in order to meet existing needs.

Another central aspect is the empowerment of women in the labor market. Astrid Kraxner, the ÖGB regional women's chairwoman for Oberland and Ausserfern, sees enormous potential in women that needs to be exploited. She calls for comprehensive support measures to help women find suitable job offers and earn a fair income. “In order to achieve this, a package of measures is needed, such as the nationwide expansion of childcare and nursing facilities,” she emphasizes. Support for caring relatives also plays an important role in this discussion.

In addition, the number of women in leadership positions should be increased to ensure fairer representation at all levels. Equal Pay Day, which is coming soon, represents not only a reminder, but also an impetus for further discussions about equality and justice. This day could serve as a catalyst for changes that will benefit both current and future generations.

The full details and further information on this topic are on www.meinkreis.at visible.