October 24, 2022
Sandra B. Franks, chairwoman of the Icelandic Nurses' Association, where 97% of members are women, writes:
Did you know that women make up about 50% of Icelanders? Did you know that about 90% of those who manage listed companies, financial companies, pension funds, energy companies and credit funds in Iceland are men? Did you know that about 75% of board members in Icelandic companies are men?
Did you know that the employment rate of Icelandic women is among the highest in the world? Did you know that one of the main reasons why Iceland is the tenth richest country in the world is precisely this high employment rate of women?
Did you know that women get paid less than men for the same work? Did you know that according to the law and constitution, equal pay for equal work is required? Did you know that jobs that are predominantly done by women are paid less than traditional male jobs?
Yes, of course you know all this.
But you may not know that a recent Harvard study shows that raising women's wages increases productivity more than raising men's wages. And you may not know that closing the gender pay gap increases labor productivity. And you may not know that the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund recently said that inequality between women and men slows economic growth.
Since this is the case, wouldn't it be a good idea to make the next collective bargaining agreement a little bit about women? Women's collective bargaining sounds good. It's both fair and economically sensible. Win-win for everyone!
Happy Women's Day!
