Longitudinal career data for selected cohorts of men and women in the public service, 1978-1987

by Garnett Picot and Ted Wannell
Business and Labour Market Analysis Division
Analytical Studies Branch research paper series, No. 029

This paper provides basic facts on the exit and promotion patterns of men and women in the public service. This information was produced for the Task Force and the Barriers to Women in the Canadian Public Service. A special longitudinal data file of public service employees was created for this project, and selected cohorts of public servants followed over the 1978-1987 period.

It is found that women do exit from the public service at a slightly higher rate than men among the low to intermediate occupational levels. This exit is not likely associated with better employment opportunities outside the P.S. as was thought possible, however, since the earning of women staying in the public service increased faster than those of women leaving.

Regarding the rate of advancement (as measured by promotions and pay increases), among those starting in the clerical group (where 42% of women work), men advanced slightly more quickly than women. Among the professional and administrative cohorts, there was little difference between men and women in the rate of advancement during this period.

Among those reaching senior management levels (SM and EX)), women advanced more quickly over this period. The senior management category accounts for only 0.6% and 3.5% of women and men respectively.

Not available electronically.