UNI Europa Finance leads the charge for gender equality and responsible sales

Trade union leaders from across Europe have taken major steps towards a fairer and more sustainable finance sector, as the UNI Europa Finance Steering Group adopted two statements on advancing gender equality in finance and on responsible sales of financial products. 

UNI Europa Finance is committed to integrating the voices, experiences and leadership of women trade unionists across the sector. Building on the UNI Europa Women’s Strategic Priorities 2025–2029, adopted at the recent UNI Europa Women’s Conference in Belfast, the statement calls for renewed actions in the finance sector to address the gender pay and pension gaps, integrate a gender-sensitive lens in occupational health and safety, and strengthen protections against violence and harassment in the workplace.

“Through our demands for equal pay, health and safety at work, prevention of violence and the involvement of young women, we are taking concrete action to advance equality,” said Mireille Herriberry, Vice President of UNI Europa Finance and UNI Europa Women.

Member of the European Parliament Evelyn Regner, a longtime advocate for equal pay and workplace dignity, also joined the meeting. She emphasised the importance of integrating gender equality and diversity across all aspects of the workplace. Alongside progressive allies in the EU, she is pushing for the swift adoption of the EU’s Pay Transparency Directive. The directive enables workers and their representatives to obtain transparent and clear information on pay by gender and for employers to report on the gender pay gap.

“Pay transparency rules are not an administrative burden but a tool for real progress,” she affirmed. “As trade unionists, we must keep pushing and demanding their full implementation.”

“Fair salaries and transparent structures strengthen trust in companies and increase the attractiveness of the EU labour market,” added UNI Europa Finance Vice President Anita Palkovich. “Europe’s finance sector cannot afford to fall back on a long-outdated image of women.”

UNI Europa Finance’s Steering Group has also adopted an updated Model Charter on Responsible Sales of Financial Products, a comprehensive framework designed to protect both consumers and finance workers from high-pressure, target-driven sales environments. First launched in 2010 in reaction to the financial crisis, the revised 2025 Charter responds to continuing challenges in the sector, including the misuse of sales incentives, algorithmic management and erosion of advisory integrity.

“This Charter is our blueprint for responsible conduct. It reinforces our demand that workers have the right to advise — not just to sell,” said Michael Budolfsen, President of UNI Europa Finance.

The Charter outlines concrete principles, including fair pay, realistic targets, human oversight of AI tools, and protection for whistleblowers. It calls on finance employers to engage in genuine social dialogue and collective bargaining to embed these standards in workplace practice.

“As trade unions, we have a responsibility not only to defend workers but to shape a finance sector that is sustainable, inclusive and fair,” said Maureen Hick, Director of UNI Europa Finance. “These statements are more than words – they reflect a clear vision, and UNI Europa Finance is ready to lead the way.”