Dublin City Council Reports 5.13% Gender Pay Gap, Urgent Action Needed

URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals that men working for Dublin City Council earn an alarming 5.13% more on average than their female counterparts. This critical report, covering the 12-month period leading to June 30, 2025, highlights ongoing gender pay disparities that demand immediate attention.

The average hourly rate for men stands at €31.55, compared to €30.22 for women. Furthermore, the report indicates a median gender pay gap of 3.2%, with median pay rates of €30.08 for men and €29.12 for women. This disparity is particularly concerning as Dublin City Council employs a workforce that is 70% male and 30% female.

Dublin City Council emphasizes that the Gender Pay Gap is not synonymous with equal pay, stating, “The Gender Pay Gap is not concerned with equal pay but looks at the percentage difference between average earnings of males and females irrespective of their role.” This distinction raises pressing questions about equality in the workplace.

The report reveals that 75% of employees in the upper pay band are men, whereas women are predominantly found in lower pay bands. In fact, women represent the majority in the lowest pay band, underlining systemic issues that contribute to the wage gap.

While part-time and temporary roles show a different trend, with women earning more on average, the overall figures signal a troubling reality. Women in part-time positions earn 3.91% more than men, yet the median gap is nearly negligible at 0.006%. Among temporary roles, women earn 15.24% more than temporary male workers, although the median gap is only 1.98%.

Dublin City Council’s Chief Executive, Richard Shakespeare, has stated the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture of equality. He remarked, “We will continue to work in this area to reduce the gap and to achieve genuine equality in the workplace for all our employees.” This promise of action comes at a critical juncture, as many advocate for swift reforms to address these disparities.

The findings of this report are not just numbers; they reflect the real-world impact on the lives of employees. The ongoing gender pay gap suggests that systemic issues must be tackled head-on to ensure equal opportunities for all.

As the city council prepares to address these findings, stakeholders and advocates will be watching closely for changes in policy and workplace culture. The urgency for reform is clear, and the next steps taken by Dublin City Council could set a precedent for gender equity in public service roles across Ireland.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops. The need for immediate action has never been more pressing.