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Family
Friendly Work Practices
For Civil Servants in Germany
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The German government has
drafted a new law on equality between the sexes in the civil
service. The law has been tabled by Dr Christine
Bergmann, Federal Minister for the Family,
Seniors, Women and Youth.
Women make up 45 per cent
of the employees in the public services but fill only 13 per cent
of senior posts. At the other end of the scale they
are over-represented in low-paid and part-time jobs. And those on
part time generally share their role with other women.
The new law will allow for
preferential treatment for women to ensure equality of
training, appointment and promotion. No job applicant of
either sex shall be subject to discrimination because of
family commitments, reduced availability for work or fewer years
of experience.
Regulations
on part-time working are being tightened to ensure all employees
have the right to reconcile family and job responsibilities.
Both sexes shall have equal access to part-time work and
time out as long as urgent service requirements are met.
Workers
must enjoy equal entitlement to sabbatical years.
Employees with family commitments who decide to join a training
course while they are on leave shall have the right to
remuneration or extra leave. If a firm decides to reduce staff,
the women shall not be more precariously placed than men.
Job
descriptions must in future be free "of male-oriented
phrasing" and public service correspondence
"shall be couched in terms that do justice to
sexual equality."
Nik Hole
February 1st 2001
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© 2001 Eyecatcher Associates. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 30, 2001
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