September 16 2022

“The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) remains committed to fighting against gender discrimination and inequality, including the gender pay gap, today and every day.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President

Ottawa (16 Sept. 2022) — “The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) remains committed to fighting against gender discrimination and inequality, including the gender pay gap, today and every day,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE President. 

Sunday, September 18, is International Equal Pay Day. Sunday also kicks off Gender Equality Week in Canada. Both are meant to be a reminder of how far we’ve come, how far we still have to go, and to promote continued organizing and action.

Still fighting for pay equity in Canada

Pay inequity, also known as the gender pay gap, is alive and well in Canada. The exact size of the pay gap depends on how you calculate it, as the Ontario Equal Pay Coalition explains. And it is a complicated picture, as the pay gap is wider than average for women who are BIPOC, women with disabilities, elderly women, immigrant and migrant women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

“We still have a long way to go on closing the gender pay gap,” said Jason MacLean, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer. “With the skyrocketing cost of living in the past year, not to mention right-wing governments threatening austerity and freezing public sector wages, this issue is more pressing than ever.”

3rd annual International Equal Pay Day

In November 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming September 18 as International Equal Pay Day. 

According to the UN, the General Assembly 

voiced deep concern over slow progress in women’s economic empowerment, the undervaluing of work traditionally held by women, and the difficulties in tackling pay inequality. The General Assembly urged action to reach the goal of equal pay for work of equal value for all, and encouraged all stakeholders to continue to support the goal of equal pay for work of equal value.

The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) works to achieve pay equity. Leading up to International Equal Pay Day, they are hosting events and sharing resources. Learn more on their Twitter. 

Gender Equality Week 2022

Sunday also marks the first day of Gender Equality Week in Canada. It takes place from September 18 to 24.

This year’s theme is Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities. Women and Gender Equality Canada, the federal department responsible, will have more information online.