Lhe United Nations has chosen September 18 as World Equal Pay Day, in order to support the efforts of associations, individuals and companies in favor of equal pay. The pay gap between women and men represents 20% globally, according to the UN. Women therefore earn around a fifth less than their male colleagues.
If France has no lesson to teach the world in terms of equal pay, a notable advance in 2023 should nevertheless be highlighted: it is now possible to ask human resources services for a colleague’s pay slip to check that there is no pay inequality. Following a decision by the Court of Cassation rendered on March 8, 2023 concerning an appeal by a former employee believing herself to be the victim of unequal pay, it was established that “ this communication of elements (…) was essential to the exercise of the right to proof and proportionate to the aim pursued, namely the defense of the legitimate interest of the employee in equal treatment between men and women in matters of employment and work. “.
This decision means that all women who believe they are discriminated against within their company because they are not paid at the same level as their male colleagues can now legally ask their superior or human resources manager for their male colleague’s pay slip. . This is not only a significant step forward towards equal pay, it is a historic decision.
A wage gap still high
The average salary of a woman in France in 2021 is 18.63 euros, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). And the average salary of a man in France in 2021 is 24.64 euros, according to the same organization. Men earn 32.29% more than women, on average; women receive 24.4% less, on average. The causes of these inequalities are multiple: women hold jobs that are less financially valued in a capitalist economy, they hold more part-time jobs and, finally, they are discriminated against because they are women.
This discrimination is highlighted in particular by the salary gap between two people having a position with the same level of responsibility, a similar level of education and the same number of years of professional experience: 9% according to the Ministry of work. The year 2023 did not start well in terms of economic equality. The pension reform promulgated after heated debates and no vote in the National Assembly will significantly impoverish women economically.
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