Minister Highlights the Impact of ‘Greedy Work’ on the Gender Pay Gap

Minister Andrew Leigh Highlights the Impact of ‘Greedy Work’ on the Gender Pay Gap

In a recent interview with The Epoch Times, Competition Minister Andrew Leigh shed light on the issue of the gender pay gap in Australia. He pointed out that high-paying professions, such as corporate banking and law, contribute to the difficulty of closing this gap. These occupations, referred to as “greedy jobs” by Harvard University Professor Claudia Goldin, reward workers who put in extra hours, often at the expense of their personal lives.

Professor Goldin’s research reveals that “greedy jobs” are one of the reasons why the gender pay gap persists in lucrative professions. Women often choose not to sacrifice after-hours periods or weekends for their jobs, resulting in many switching to less demanding professions. Minister Leigh emphasized that certain high-level positions, such as CEOs, judges, and senior politicians, cannot be divided into part-time roles, making it challenging for individuals with caring duties, who are predominantly women, to pursue these careers.

To address this issue, Minister Leigh believes that corporations need to take action against “greedy jobs” and promote job-sharing opportunities. He argues that this would not only help close the gender pay gap but also increase productivity in the country. By learning from occupations that have successfully implemented job-sharing arrangements, such as pharmacy, which allows for IT systems to facilitate handoffs between coworkers, Australia can create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Minister Leigh’s call for action against “greedy jobs” aligns with the recent measures announced by the Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher. On March 7, she unveiled the Labor government’s plans to tackle the gender pay gap. These measures include requiring companies to meet gender targets, implementing flexible work arrangements for women, and developing policies to address sexual harassment. In addition, the government plans to use its purchasing power to support gender equality outcomes by awarding government contracts to companies that demonstrate progress towards these goals.

Senator Gallagher emphasized that the gender pay gap in Australia currently stands at 12 percent in favor of men, with a significant difference of 21.7 percent in total remuneration in organizations with over 100 employees. By leveraging the government’s annual expenditure of $70 billion on goods and services, she believes that more can be done to ensure women receive their fair share of this spending.

The government’s commitment to addressing the gender pay gap is evident through its introduction of taxpayer-funded superannuation payments on top of paid parental leave benefits. These initiatives aim to provide additional financial support for women and encourage their participation in the workforce.

Minister Leigh’s remarks at the launch of his latest book, The Shortest History of Economics, underscore the importance of tackling “greedy jobs” to promote gender equality and economic productivity. By creating a work environment that accommodates caring responsibilities and encourages job-sharing, Australia can take significant strides towards closing the gender pay gap and fostering a more inclusive society.

In conclusion, Minister Andrew Leigh’s insights shed light on the impact of “greedy jobs” on the gender pay gap in Australia. His call for action, coupled with the government’s measures to address this issue, highlights the commitment to achieving gender equality. By eliminating barriers that prevent women from pursuing high-paying careers, such as job-sharing opportunities, Australia can create a more equitable workforce and enhance productivity.