Independent union faction in the ÖGB calls for more democracy on International Women’s Day
Vienna (OTS) – Marion Polaschek, chairwoman of the Independent Trade Union Group in the ÖGB (UG), expresses her concern about the pressure on democracy worldwide on the occasion of International Women’s Day: “Divided tendencies in society are exacerbating inequalities and simple solutions are becoming increasingly popular. This leads to the empowerment of the powerful at the expense of justice, especially for women.
“
On World Women’s Day, March 8th, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) are calling for true gender equality as a prerequisite for full democracy.
At the same time, the results of the current time use study impressively demonstrate the existing inequality based on the significantly higher proportion of unpaid work to the disadvantage of women in Austria.
“This is of course relevant to democratic policy,” emphasizes Marion Polaschek and explains: “Less time for participation means less influence and therefore less representation of women and their concerns.
This leads to a lack of appreciation, unequal opportunities and lower wages, despite good education. Women have a stabilizing effect on a democracy. They are less likely to vote based on populist or authoritarian motives.
“
Trade unions play an important role in strengthening women’s rights. For example, through lobbying for measures against violence, demands for wage transparency and supporting works councils and staff representatives in daily consultation.
Polaschek concludes by emphasizing: “We independents are committed to the interests of our colleagues without party pressure.
We work exclusively for their goals, in the works councils, in the staff representatives, in the unions and in the chambers of labor.
We are loud where others are silent.
“
Questions & Contact:
UG – Independent trade unionists in the ÖGB
01-505 19 52
and@ug-oegb.at
www.ug-oegb.at/
Johann-Böhm-Platz 1, A-1020 Vienna
ZVR-Nr.: 695949446