Panter: Smaller wage gap no reason for satisfaction

The pay gap between women and men in Saxony is significantly smaller than the national average. However, Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, Dirk Panter, believes that this is no reason to be satisfied. "Equal pay for equal work is not an optional extra, but a question of fairness and competitiveness," said the SPD politician.

Significantly below the national average

According to the latest figures from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the so-called gender pay gap is around 17 percent nationwide, while in Saxony it is just under 7 percent. However, the pay gap in Saxony increases when structural differences such as industry, working hours, qualifications or management responsibility are statistically factored out. This phenomenon observed in eastern Germany is "a clear indication of the persistence of disadvantages for women in the labor market," the ministry said.

Panter called on companies to show more commitment to equal pay. Transparent and fair remuneration gives companies an advantage in the competition for qualified employees. "It should not depend on whether a man demands more money. Employers have a duty to pay equal pay for equal work, as German case law has repeatedly confirmed."

Structural reasons for differences

The ministry cites the fact that women are more likely to work in lower-paid jobs and leave the workforce for longer due to family reasons and are then more likely to work part-time or in mini-jobs as reasons for the pay gap. Measures such as the expansion of childcare, more flexible working hours for both parents and better support when returning to work could reduce the gap, but have so far not been enough.

Equal Pay Day as a symbol

Equal Pay Day symbolically marks the gender pay gap. In mathematical terms, women work unpaid compared to men until this day. This year, it falls on February 27.