Former Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga becomes President of Equal-Salary

Simonetta Sommaruga headed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) for eight years. During her time in office, she courageously campaigned for equal pay and the representation of women in listed companies. She played a decisive role in the introduction of equal pay analyses and quotas in favor of women, thereby changing the Swiss corporate landscape. These legislative reforms obliged large companies to eliminate pay discrimination and promote greater diversity in positions, at management level and on boards of directors.

By taking over the chairmanship of the foundation, Simonetta Sommaruga is continuing her task of eliminating the pay gap. The pay gap is still narrowing too slowly, as the figures from the Federal Statistical Office show. Ms. Sommaruga is continuing her commitment to tackling inequality and is focusing on the responsibility of companies. "With the Equal Salary certification, companies are taking a decisive step towards equal opportunities. Today, a modern employer must be able to demonstrate that it offers women the same opportunities as men, including in terms of recruitment, further training and promotion," emphasizes the new President of the Equal Salary Foundation.

The Equal Salary Foundation certifies companies that can demonstrate, using an internationally recognized scientific methodology, that they comply not only with equal pay, but also with equal opportunities throughout the life cycle of their employees (recruitment, training and promotion). Certification is a positive, voluntary, concrete and tangible measure that enables companies to communicate equality on the basis of evidence while protecting the confidentiality of their employees' data. To date, the Foundation has carried out more than 150 certification procedures in over 90 countries. Several certified companies have renewed their commitment and demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting equality and building trust and respect for their employees, customers and partners.

Wage analyses with "Logib"

The Equal-Salary Foundation has been offering a new service since 2024: Wage analyses carried out using the "Logib" equal pay analysis tool (provided free of charge by the Swiss Confederation) can be integrated into the certification process following an external audit. This enables companies to proceed directly to the second phase of certification: the qualitative on-site audit. This simplified procedure should encourage more companies to seek equal pay certification and thus implement not only the purely quantitative but also the qualitative elements of equal opportunities in their company. "Today, companies are looking for qualified staff and at the same time there are more and more very well educated women. Equal pay and the compatibility of career and family are therefore key factors not only for society, but also in the interests of the economy," adds Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Equal-Salary Foundation.

At international level, the European Commission has issued a directive on pay transparency, which will come into force in spring 2023. The aim of this standard is to enshrine employees' access to information about their own salary, as well as that of their male and female colleagues. Employers must offer salaries that respect equal pay and meet the requirement for transparency. Swiss companies operating in Europe will also have to comply with this directive sooner or later. The Equal Salary Certification offers direct and concrete support for companies that already comply with this new directive.

"It is with great pride that we welcome Simonetta Sommaruga as President of the Equal Salary Foundation. Her pragmatism, influence and ongoing commitment to equality make her the ideal person to represent the Foundation and advance the cause. To promote the cause of equality in Switzerland and abroad. The equitable sharing of economic power and responsibility between women and men is long overdue and this news marks the beginning of significant and welcome progress for all." Lisa Rubli and Noémie Storbeck, Co-Directors of the Foundation.

Equal pay in practice

Although most companies claim to pay women and men equally, the pay gap worldwide is still 18% (ILO report, February 2020). In Switzerland, according to the latest wage structure survey by the FSO, the pay gap is still 18%, of which 47.8% is unexplained.

Three questions for Simonetta Sommaruga:

1. What were your reasons for accepting the chairmanship of the Equal Salary Foundation?

Equal pay was a very important issue for me as a Federal Councillor. That's why I revised the Gender Equality Act at the time. With the Equal Salary certification, we can make a concrete and attractive offer for companies: Certification is a voluntary, positive and measurable measure with which a company can show that it takes equal opportunities seriously.

The Foundation's international reach was also an important point for me. Thanks to its partners and the presence of Equal Salary auditors around the globe, the foundation can certify multinational and national companies all over the world.

2. How does the Equal Salary certification differ from other labels in the area of equality?

The certification is based on a robust, scientific and internationally recognized methodology. The Foundation works with world-renowned partners who lend it credibility. Its rigor, guaranteed by a mechanism comparable to an ISO standard, is an exceptional tool for continuous improvement. Its very high standards place it at the top of the range of existing equal pay certifications.

The Equal Salary certification consists of two steps, both of which are checked by renowned auditors. The quantitative verification of equality is crucial, but the second step is also necessary for full equality of opportunity. The certification also checks the measures taken in the areas of recruitment, assessment, training and promotion. Many companies also need to make progress in this area. Equal-Salary has developed a unique and internationally recognized tool for this purpose.

3. What are your priorities and goals as President of the Equal Salary Foundation in order to promote equal pay?

The Equal Salary Foundation has done pioneering work at national and international level and has already achieved very good results. I would like to continue this work and motivate even more companies to get involved in equal opportunities. They have a lot to gain at a time when skilled workers are in demand worldwide and there are an enormous number of well-educated women. The new EU directive has also triggered a new dynamic. I would like to use this momentum. Furthermore, I have noticed in Switzerland and in many other countries that society no longer accepts that women earn less than men simply because they are women.

Source: www.equalsalary.org