Equal Pay Day Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour
Today, on Equal Pay Day, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour reaffirms our commitment to achieving pay equity for all workers in our province. This day symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. It is a stark reminder of the persistent gender wage gap that continues to disadvantage women in the workforce, particularly women of colour, Indigenous women, and women with disabilities. The gender wage gap is not just a women’s issue; it is a family issue, an economic issue, and a human rights issue. Women in Nova Scotia, on average, earn significantly less than their male counterparts. This disparity affects their lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and overall economic security. It is crucial to recognize that equal pay is not just about fairness but economic growth and social justice. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour calls upon employers, policymakers, and all stakeholders to take concrete actions towards closing the gender wage gap. This includes implementing transparent pay practices, conducting regular pay audits, and promoting women into leadership and decision-making roles.
We advocate for stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with pay equity standards. We also emphasize the importance of supporting collective bargaining to achieve pay equity. Unions have consistently championed fair wages and working conditions, and we know much work is still to be done, and collective bargaining remains a vital avenue for advancing pay equity. Moreover, addressing the gender wage gap requires a holistic approach that considers the intersectionality of gender with race, ethnicity, disability, and other identity factors. We must strive to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality and ensure that all women have equal access to opportunities and resources. On this Equal Pay Day, let us renew our determination to fight for a more equitable future. We urge all Nova Scotians to join us in advocating for policies and practices that promote equal pay for work of equal value. Together, we can build a society where everyone’s contributions are valued and rewarded fairly, regardless of gender. Equality is not a privilege; it is a right.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is committed to working tirelessly until equal pay is a reality for all. Let us continue to push for change, support one another, and make equal pay for equal work a cornerstone of our society.
