Can I ask what my colleague earns?

The request is made in writing — directly or through your workers' representatives. Employers must remind all workers of this right every year.

The averages by sex tell you whether there is a systematic difference in your category — exactly the information that matters in a negotiation or a claim, without exposing any individual's salary. Where an average would identify a colleague, member states may provide that only workers' representatives, the labour inspectorate or the equality body receive it (Art. 12(3)).

Separately, pay-secrecy clauses are unenforceable: you cannot be prevented from disclosing your own pay for the purpose of enforcing equal pay (Art. 7).