Every five years, the Conseil du trésor (Treasury Board) must carry out a pay equity audit. This exercise, set out in the Pay Equity Act,  is to analyze the events that have taken place in jobs occupied predominantly by women with a view to correcting the pay gap caused by systemic discrimination.

For the 2020-2025 exercise, the FIQ will participate in a pay equity audit committee with the other Québec labour organizations, a first in over 20 years. In fact, since the law went into effect, only the initial assessment had been carried out in an interunion committee.

The Secretariat du Conseil du trésor will also take part in this work since it is a joint committee. As such, the member organizations on the committee will analyze the changes in jobs together and determine if salary corrections are needed.

An audit committee to avoid lengthy legal battles

In 2010, 2015 and 2020, the government decided to carry out the pay equity audit exercises alone. This approach led to many complaints and legal contestations, some of which are still not settled. For these reasons, the labour organizations welcome the government’s decision, because it is generally preferable to work in a joint committee.

Considering the scope of the work,  there will be a delay in posting the results of the 2025 audit, initially scheduled for December 20. However, if corrections need to be paid to some workers, they will be paid retroactively with legal interest.

Please note that throughout the 2020-2025 pay equity exercise, the FIQ will keep you informed of the progress of the work.