Facts, ideology and consequences of a treaty on the functioning of the European Union with regard to the gender pay gap

7.11.2019

Priority question for written answer  P-003684/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Christine Anderson (ID)

The ‘equal pay for equal work’ imperative is enshrined in Article 157 TFEU. According to the Commission’s written answer (E-002252/2017(ASW)), there is a gender pay gap (GPG) in the EU of 16.3% to the detriment of women. Since, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), two-thirds of the GPG cannot be explained by age, education, part- or full-time work, differences between the public and private sector or other ‘observable factors’, this clearly points to discrimination against women as being the cause.

If there really is a considerable GPG in the EU and women are paid less than men for doing exactly the same jobs, the following questions arise:

• 1.Why do employers continue to employ men if an all-female staff would entail a lower wage bill, thus leading to higher profits?
• 2.Is there any point in having a treaty on the functioning of the European Union if, ten years after it came into force (Official Journal No 115 of 9.5.2008), it has made no satisfactory impact?

The GPG should be highest in favour of men in so-called women’s occupations.

• 1.Could the reason for this be the provision set out in Article 157(4) TFEU, according to which an under-represented sex should be given advantages to enable them to pursue vocational activities, thus causing the GPG indicators studied to be further reinforced?

Supporters¹

Supporter[1]

• [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the author: Annika Bruna (ID)