1. Overview of existing EC legislation on equal treatment between men and women and the role of the European Commission
Rashmin Sagoo
DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Unit G2, Equality, Action against discrimination: Legal Questions

2. The Commission’s role DG Employment, unit G2
Guardian of the Treaties - monitoring of EC law, infringement procedures
ECJ cases – infringements, preliminary references
New legislative proposals: new draft Art 13 proposal; and reconciliation package/work-life balance (parental leave, maternity protection and leave, self-employed women and assisting spouses)
Complaints from citizens, petitions from European Parliament, PQs
Awareness raising: seminars, publications, experts groups
Stakeholders: gender equality bodies network, NGOs, Member States etc

3. Current EC legislation equal treatment between men and women
EC Treaty
Art. 141 – Principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work
Art. 13 – Competence to act against discrimination on: sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation
Article 3(2) – Gender Mainstreaming - in all its activities the EC must aim to eliminate inequalities & promote equality between men and women

4. Current EC legislation: equal treatment between men and women
Directives
Dir 75/117/EEC - equal pay for men and women
Dir 76/207/EEC and Dir 2002/73/EC - equal treatment for men and women in access to employment, vocational training and working conditions
Dir 79/7/EEC - equal treatment for men and women in social security
Dir 86/378/EEC and Dir 96/97/EC - equal treatment in occupational social security schemes
Dir 92/85/EEC - measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding
Dir 96/34/EC - parental leave
Dir 97/80/EC - burden of proof in sex discrimination cases
Dir 2004/113/EC - equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services
Dir 2006/54/EC - equal treatment for men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast)

5. Further info DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
Unit G2: Equality, action against discrimination: Legal Questions