Infrastructure and property company John Holland has addressed the gender pay gap after a review of the company’s salaries identified that 15 per cent of women were getting paid less than men in the same position.
In a move to ensure all workers, no matter their gender, were getting a fair go, the company reviewed their budget and their 3,600-plus employee list to identify areas where men and women were doing the same job.
It was discovered that 15 per cent of women were being paid less than men in the same position with similar responsibilities, and chief executive Joe Barr was quick to release a statement that stated he acted immediately to fix the problem.
“John Holland has now told employees we will stamp out the gender pay gap where it exists. Fixing salaries immediately is the first step, and now the challenge is making sure pay gaps doesn’t creep back in.
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“This is about truly understanding and addressing the issues that create pay inequity in the first place. As part of my role I’ve held gender forums across the business to get to the bottom of these issues.
“Our commitment on gender pay is just the start. It’s something I am passionate about because it’s not only good for our business, it will lift our whole industry.
Barr has dismissed any potential notions that such a move would cost the company millions, because he believes that spending the money now to keep the best people where they are an investment into the company, not a loss in profits.
It was a decision shareholders were on board with in the wake of the numerous big-ticket projects now a part of John Holland’s portfolio, including the $2.81 billion Sydney Metro, the $240 million Sydenham Station, the $170 million Macquarie Park commercial precinct and Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar West Gate Tunnel project.
