Summary

The principle of equal pay, originally enshrined in the Treaty of Rome to prevent distortion of competition, has become the most relevant basis for implementing sex equality. Equality principle is valid for all employer-financed pension schemes (whether partly or entirely financed by the employer), for pensions in the public service and for any other pension schemes designed for a particular category of workers. Even where distinctions between the sexes are permitted, this does not justify different treatment at the workplace.