By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-
As a result of its efforts to promote salary equity between male and female employees, Swiss watchmaker Corum has obtained the "Equal Salary" certification, becoming one of just four companies in Switzerland to do so, and the only recipient thus far within the watchmaking industry. The certificate, awarded by Equal Salary's Veronique Goy Veenhuys on June 5th, follows upon a year-long commitment by Corum to the project, which commenced initially in late January of 2008.
The accomplishment is an official recognition that the brand has successfully defined and implemented a fair wage policy which does not discriminate by sex. According to a press statement from Corum, various statistics indicate a current wage disparity of 19% in Switzerland.
"A company’s value is based on its human beings. As we duly want to respect the value of each of our employees, we have decided to respect the equity principle by applying all necessary measures to ensure equal salary between women and men in Corum," said Antonio Calce, CEO of Corum. "This certification also allows us to give our staff a strong message of our support and respect in a difficult economic period. I would add that this equality has developed naturally within our company, as we apply fairness in its broadest sense. Indeed, we also encourage part-time work for women. It is the responsibility of our company and I am keen to deliver this policy, to implement a human resources strategy that enables women to combine their careers and their role of motherhood. By focusing on human beings, we value our unity, our solidarity and we protect our values."
"Equal Salary" is the brainchild of Veronique Goy Veenhuys and Professor Yves Fluckiger, Director of the Employment University Observatory (OUE) in Geneva. Equal Salary employs statistical methodologies to establish a quantitative assessment of a given company. The OUE examines the wage policy of the candidate and based upon its findings, issues a report to both that company and the certification board. If it determines that the wage discrimination factor is below five percent, a second stage of analysis is carried out. The focus shifts to a qualitative audit of wage policy on staff, human resources, and management levels.
Those companies which pass the audit are issued a certificate by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), and the company can claim an "Equal Salary" status for a three-year period, during which time periodic audits are still performed. Companies seeking the continuation of their certification, must apply before the three years expire.
Yolaine Bôle, Corum's Director of Human Resources joined Mr. Calce in expressing pride in the brand's new certification: "This certification helps to establish our image and differentiate us in the watch industry, affirming that a family business of average size can reach a recognition of the equity principle both for the salary, the training and the human capital enhancement. By becoming the first watch company to receive this certification, Corum clearly furthers itself, in terms of recruitment, from the competition."
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