Men and women are not yet paid equally, according to the trade union representing public sector employees. On the eve of a national day of action in favour of women's rights, the union said wages were at the heart of the struggle for sexual equality

The secretary-general of the union, Natalie Imboden, said that although written into law the rules on equal wages were often not respected. For this reason, she said, her organisation wanted to start a fresh political debate on the issue.

Imboden added that wage discrimination was stronger in the private sector, but warned that in the public sector, a new law introducing performance-related pay was a danger for women. The union believes that women who work part-time or who work full time while bringing up a family would lose out under such a system.

The union and the trade union federation emphasised that they were prepared to take cases of discrimination to court, if necessary.

The focus on wage inequality comes ahead of a day of action around Switzerland. Unions and women's groups are organising events in about 20 towns and cities on Wednesday to mark the World Women's March. It is also the ninth anniversary of a major strike by Swiss women.

swissinfo with agencies

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