Two female judges are suing the state for failing to close the pay gap between men and women in the judiciary.

The judges, supported by women’s rights Bureau Clara Wichmann, want the current pay scale to be replaced by one that raises women’s salaries by 8%, putting them on a par with their male counterparts.

They also want to be compensated for years of lost wages as a result of the discriminatory system.

The illegal pay gap in the judiciary has been a bone of contention for years, Marlies Vegter of Bureau Clara Wichmann told broadcaster NOS.

“Within the judiciary the difference in pay is almost 8%, but it can be up to 10% in some cases. We are talking about significant amounts of money,” Vegter said.

Women who enter the profession now are paid according to their last earned salary.

“More women are taking up jobs in the social sector, including as legal professionals,” Vegter said. “They are earning less than someone who works in an office on Zuidas with a commercial Zuidas salary. That disparity is reflected in women’s salaries when they enter the judiciary.”

The lack of progress is down to employers thinking high flyers might be put off by lower salaries, Vegter said. “But if that is the case, it’s not the job for you.”

The state has to respond to the judges’ demands within two weeks. If not, the case will be brought before the human rights tribunal College voor de Rechten van de Mens.

“It’s a big step, but we have knocked on so many doors and reasoned with so many people and institutions..we are simply never heard,” the claimants said.