Silent Brouhaha

Equal Pay for Equal Work

It's a known fact that women get less pay than men do in most jobs for the same amount of work. Why is that.

Most companies frown on employees talking about wages between eachother. In fact most managers are uncomfortable talking pay with the employees they manage. Some companies have threatened retribution to employees who have attempted to solicit information from their peers.

Myth: It's improper to discuss wages between employees.

Fact: This is one of those corporate atmosphere attitudes that management tend to let sit over employees so they're not inclined to discuss it. Yes if someone said it's none of your business then that's that. However some employees would be more than happy to discuss it.

Myth: Your company could fire you for discussing wages with other workers.

Fact: It's freedom of speech my friend. If they fire you for such a thing you can just get about any civil rights lawyer to get you a early retirement. Dont be dissuaded by others saying it's illegal or you can be fired. It's this exact line of thinking that has let the situation get as bad as it is now.

I once mentioned that I expected to make 25 dollars a hour at my new position and several of my coworkers, some who had been there less time I had been popped off with "You're not making that already" however when I confronted my boss he said I'm right where I should be. Should I believe him?

So if people want equal pay then you need to break the "dont talk about it" stigma and get people talking about it. If your bosses try to say you cant talk about it theen say it would be a violation of your free speech rights and go about your business. And if you know you're getting paid less for the same work I have two words for you Lawsuit. If you know for a fact that someone is getting paid more and be sure of this then a judge can force your employer to produce pay records which I'm sure would be very embarassing.

Not doing these things and you'll have to wait until 2050 to get equal pay.

posted by Corey @ 3:53 PM