In a submission today to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) review the ACTU is arguing that the agency’s current framework lacks focus on concrete action, excludes too many workplaces from reporting requirements, has subpar standards, and limited accountability mechanisms, including no requirement to consult with workers and unions about gender equity at work.
WGEA can only ‘name and shame’ employers and there are no penalties for breaching obligations under the act. Minimum standards are also far too low and only apply to employers with 500+ employees and only require a policy or strategy, not any actual action.
In its submission the ACTU recommends:
- Employers should be required to consult with workers and their unions on gender equity issues and report to WGEA on the action taken as a result.
- All employers regardless of size, including all Labour Hire companies and all public sector agencies, should be required to report on gender equity issues
- All employers should be required to meet meaningful new minimum standards on gender equity, which require actual measurable progress towards gender equity year on year – not just policies and strategies
- Employers should report on the same date each year, and reporting obligations should be expanded to cover:
a) Total remuneration packages of all employers (including CEOs) and WGEA should publish each employer’s gender pay gap
b) The actual earnings and hours of part-time and casual employees so the impact of insecure work can be properly measured
c) Access to paid parental leave and whether superannuation is paid on it
