Equality: Voices in Union

Jobs that our society considers ‘women’s work’ are systematically underpaid and undervalued. Within the Scottish economy – occupations that are dominated by women also receive lower pay. Within work itself, women have less access to promotion and are disproportionately affected by lack of flexible working, limited parental leave and the high cost of childcare.

Over 80% of the education profession are women, and over the last decades, pay has eroded substantially (over 25%). It is clear that the undervaluing of teachers is linked to the fact that teaching is a majority women profession. Compared to other graduate professions, teacher salaries lag far behind.

Furthermore, the findings of the 2023 EIS Branch Survey into Violence and Aggression in School showed many responses saying pupils were more likely to be violent towards women teachers. The EIS is clear that tackling misogyny in educational establishments must acknowledge the impact of Gender Based Violence (GBV), which includes sexism and discrimination, on equity for women teachers and lecturers.

The pandemic and the cost of living crisis have not affected us all equally. Women, and colleagues who are underrepresented in our profession as a result of structural barriers have already seen their pay decline in real terms or lag behind for decades, due to inaccessibility, discrimination, and barriers to progression.

When we consider the gender pay gap, we should also remember that for disabled and BAME workers, this is even wider.

We also need to think about whether some groups are more likely than others to be on precarious contracts, on reduced hours, or on supply, and whether stereotypical notions of the type of person who can take on a “promoted posts” relate to this.

Employment structures aren’t designed for women to thrive, and this is an injustice that needs to be put right. Pursuing a 10% pay claim for a majority women profession was one way to do that, but we also need to look at the structures themselves, to make sure that work is fair, for everyone.