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Ensuring equal pay [Bern, Switzerland]
Bern, the capital of Switzerland and signatory of the CEMR European Charter for Equality since 2007, has put in place an action plan that promotes equal pay and ensures wage equality in public administration, procurement contracts and service agreements through requirements of proof of equal pay and random checks. The municipality uses several innovative tools and control procedures to monitor the implementation and results of their measures. Firstly, they have commissioned a self- check software tool called Logib, which is accessible to all employers. This software enables employers (local and regional government included) to enter salary data for their organisation to identify and evaluate gender wage disparities. It is an easy and free way for employers to find out if their salary practices respect equality between women and men. Logib now offers two modules, one for organisations with up to 50 employees and a different one for larger organisations, and connected training programmes, consultations and certificates. This is also a great example of how technology can help the collection of data in the pursuit of gender equality. Secondly, the city of Bern is also a signatory to the federal charter for wage equality in the public sector. This tool (see below in the Call to Action) was, launched by the Federal Office for Equality of Women and Men, seeks to reduce the gender pay gap. Signatories commit to regularly monitor equal pay within the public administration, entities close to public authorities, public contracts and subsidies. This combination of smart technology and high level political will is proving a winning formula to reach equal pay in Bern.
[ CALL TO ACTION ] Do you want to start to take steps towards closing your municipality s gender wage gap? Check out the Swiss Charter for equal pay in the public sector.
Closing the gender pay gap in Switzerland © Swiss Charter for equal pay in the public sector (2018)
Case Study
