Last year the Fair Work Commission released an important study into the undervaluation of feminised occupations, what would be considered as traditionally “women’s work”. It’s an important study as it considers the potential undervaluation of such work rather than focussing on the gender pay gap.
The study touched on many of the occupations members are employed in like Medical Laboratory Scientists (particularly lab technicians many of whom have medical science qualifications while only being employed as technicians), Psychologists and Pharmacists.
The study investigated these large, highly feminised occupations located in feminised industries, in an attempt to identify potential characteristics of these workforces which differ from the wider workforce. Unfortunately, gender-based segregation and the gender pay gap continues to be an enduring feature of the Australian labour market.
In undertaking the study, the research showed that traditionally feminised industries started at lower pay rates, an issue already well documented and highlighted in earlier studies into gender-based segregation and the gender pay gap. There are also issues around the original assumptions made about the relative skills and knowledge required to undertake work in such industries, again highlighting the gendered nature of how such work had been valued.
Part-time work was a common feature across most occupations identified in the study, including Medical Laboratory Scientists, Psychologists and Pharmacists.
Highly feminised occupations have high rates of part-time work, relatively low rates of pay and are affected by national skill shortages.
There is a clear undervaluing of the work undertaken and the importance of the work being undertaken. It also highlights the undervaluing of the educational requirements of the occupations identified in the study.
In an important outcome to redress the gender undervaluation of work, there have already been steps taken with some occupations seeing recognition of their undervaluation and steps to increase in wages.
Conor was in the Fair Work Commission with some of our colleagues from our sister Health Services Union branches, along with the ACTU and other Union representatives, arguing that the work of health professionals is undervalued. This was partly due to an historical sexist approach to and view of female-dominated professions, and partly due to an historical error in how Modern Award rates were set across health and the degree of educational achievement required, leaving our members’ formal qualifications inadequately recognised.
This is a major case, and while it will take time to play out, we are dedicating resources to this argument to significantly boost the Modern Award rates of pay that underpin the rates we bargain for our members. Stay tuned over the months ahead for further updates on this front.