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Alasdair Thompson - Source: ONE News -
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Sacked EMA boss Alasdair Thompson's comments have revived the
debate over gender pay equality.
Latest figures show a discrepancy of 12% between men and women in
the same job.
Statistics show that the average income gap between men and women with a bachelor's degree a year after graduating from university is six per cent and five years on, that number almost triples to 17%.
Equal Pay Coalition chairperson Angela McLeod said the gender pay gap widens if part time work is factored into statistics.
School teacher Heather Dallow works in one of the professions where pay equality lobbyists say men get more promotion opportunities.
Only 16% of teachers are male, but they take 46% of principals' roles.
But Dallow said there is nothing stopping women from breaking the glass ceiling.
"I think women have an equal footing in New Zealand to actually become principals, I don't believe it's actually harder, they just need to want to do it."
McLeod said the way forward requires "action on all fronts".
"We need effective legislation; we need the political will and employer leadership."
But McLeod said Thompson's "monthly sickness" comments have helped to reignite the gender pay gap debate.
"It has got it on the agenda, people are talking about it and that's a good thing."
Meanwhile, details of possible pay negotiations between Thompson and the EMA are beginning to emerge.
While the EMA has refused to comment on a possible golden handshake for the sacked former chief executive, there are reports today that a "fair and appropriate" settlement had been agreed.
Sources also told Fairfax media that Thompson had been given the chance to resign from the Employers and Manufacturers Association but "didn't think he should have to".
One senior EMA source told ONE News yesterday that "Nobody ever walks away from something like this with nothing."
The board of the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) yesterday sacked Thompson .
President of the EMA Board Graham Mountfort said the decision relates to media interviews Thompson gave where he linked lower pay for women to extra sick days taken for period pain.
"After having considered this matter for some time the board believes Mr Thompson is no longer able to continue as CEO of the organisation," he said.
Thompson told Newstalk ZB last month that there is a gender pay gap, but people only need "to look at who takes the most sick days", to find the reason for it.
"Once a month they have sick problems. Not all women, but some do. They have children, they have to take time off to go home and take leave," he said.
EMA spokesperson Gilbert Peterson yesterday refused to talk to ONE News about the circumstances of Thompson's dismissal.
"I think a lot has been written and reported about all this already and there's far more worthy commentators than me to comment on that," Peterson said.
Public opinion
Despite many politicians and commentators saying the EMA made the right decision, there has been some support for Thompson.
Sixy-four percent of voters in a poll on TV ONE's Close Up did not think Thompson should have been dismissed, while 36% thought it was appropriate.
More than 13,000 people voted..
But a tvnz.co.nz poll on the matter had a more even response.
Fifty-two percent of voters though the EMA made the right decision, while 48% thought it was an overreaction.
Leaders can 'make mistakes'
Director of AUT's Centre for Innovative Leadership Stephen Drain told TV ONE's Breakfast that leaders "should be bold" but that they can make mistakes.
"I think it is important to recognise that leaders will (make mistakes)," he said.
"Everyone is vulnerable, everybody will make a mistake. What has happened here is that those who are engaged with this leadership have become disenfranchised."
Drain said that his centre people were encouraged "to be authentic".
"Be true to yourself, but you also need to be responsible for the group that your leading," he said.
Praise for Thompson
Despite the widespread criticism, Thompson has been praised for his contribution to Auckland business.
Auckland Council Business Advisory Panel chair Cameron Brewer said Thompson was appointed to that group because of his position at EMA but doubted he would return.
He said Thompson would be remembered as a prominent advocate for Super City reforms.
Brewer said he had also been very encouraging to young people over the years.
What do you think? Did the EMA make the right decision or is it an overreaction? Have your say on the messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentJoy Scott said on 2011-07-07 @ 08:21 NZDT: Report abusive post
Am sick and tired of this so called PC correctness. There was a lot of truth in what he said. (just shouldn't have mentioned women's periods). To sack him is soooooooooooooooo wrong. Joy
kakka said on 2011-07-07 @ 07:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why is there debate over a golden handshake? Surely this issue is completely irrelevant, and would simply be an arrangement between a terminated employee and a private association as an employer.
justanotherone said on 2011-07-07 @ 03:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
The saddest part is that everything he said is true. In today's PC climate truth has to take it's place behind not offending anyone. Sucky world.
seal_13 said on 2011-07-07 @ 01:12 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree, Alasdair was very unwise to publicly display sexism in the way he did. He was insensitive and ignorant to make a comment on a condition he has no inkling or understanding of. From experience, I was advised to take a week off to have d&c and heal after a miscarriage. This took half my annual sick leave. Later I was chastised for being sick a lot and might not make my teaching registration. Some people forget we are only human not immortal robots, most of us have families to look after!
btw said on 2011-07-06 @ 22:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree thewalrus - god help us all!! We all have our opinions and not everyone is going to agree with them, I don't think that is grounds to sack a person. Talk about side stepping the real issue here, employers are allowed to use whatever excuse they can to pay people less, men or women. Mr Thompson pointed out what we all know and do nothing about. Instead of sacking him and using him as a scape goat, how about addressing the issue of equal pay