GENEVA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A workers' union umbrella group Travail Suisse said Tuesday it wants to name and expose Swiss companies that fail to pay women and men equally.
This is one of 28 recommendations which feature in a position paper published by Travail Suisse for International Workers' Day, May 1.
In 2017, women in Switzerland earned on average 600 Swiss francs (607 U.S. dollars) less a month than their male counterparts, said the group.
According to Travail Suisse and its 10 affiliated federations, however, men are also victims of discrimination.
The majority of those who work fulltime would like to work part-time, but only 17.5 percent are able to do so.
The report also noted that there was no legal basis for paternity leave in Switzerland.
Earlier this year, the Swiss Trade Federation (SGB), another umbrella group, also called for equal pay.
Travail Suisse is also calling for better protection of people who care for adults and sick relatives.
This unpaid work, mainly done by women, punishes the carers, who end up with smaller pensions due to taking time off from their paid jobs.
Demographic change and the shortage of qualified personnel will create a greater need for this unpaid care, notes Travail Suisse.
It is calling on Swiss lawmakers to protect citizens. It would also like to see tax reform to eliminate discrimination related to marital status, the Swiss News Agency SDA-ATS reported.
