Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour on Equal Pay Day

April 10 marks Equal Pay Day in Nova Scotia and across our Country. This day reminds us of the ongoing struggle for pay equity and highlights how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. It’s a powerful reminder about the lack of action by successive governments on the gender wage gap that continues to affect women in our society, especially Indigenous women, women of colour, and women with disabilities. The gender wage gap isn’t just a women’s issue. It impacts families, communities, and our economy. In Nova Scotia, women still earn less than men for work of equal value. This unfairness affects their lifetime earnings, retirement savings, and financial security. Equal pay is not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger economy and ensuring social justice.

Unions have always been leaders in the fight for pay equity. We’ve pushed for fair wages and better working conditions through collective bargaining. But there’s still much work to do. Employers and policymakers need to take real action to close the wage gap. This includes adopting transparent pay practices, conducting regular pay audits, and ensuring women have access to leadership roles.

We also need stronger laws to enforce pay equity standards across all sectors, not just in public workplaces but private ones, too. Addressing the wage gap requires examining systemic barriers like occupational inequalities and ingrained bias. It means creating policies that support affordable childcare, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements so women can thrive in their careers.

On Equal Pay Day, we call on everyone to join us in this fight. Together, we can build a future where every worker is valued equally, regardless of gender, and are paid fairly for their contributions. Pay equity is a right, not a privilege. Let’s continue working towards a society where equal pay is a reality for all workers in Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour remains committed to this cause and will continue to advocate for change until the gender wage gap is closed permanently.