The unanimous support for an NDP motion on pay equity is an excellent way for the House of Assembly to observe International Women’s Day, says NDP Critic for the Status of Women Gerry Rogers (MHA, St. John’s Centre).
Rogers introduced the motion today, seconded by St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi MHA Lorraine Michael; it reads “Be it resolved that the House of Assembly urge Government to start the process to enact pay equity legislation in the province.”
Pay equity means equal pay for work of equal value, a different concept from equal pay for equal work. It is a process that corrects discrimination in compensation practices to adjust the wages of employees in traditionally female jobs so that they are at least equal to the wages of employees in traditionally male-dominated job classes when they are found to be comparable in value based on skills/education needed, effort required, responsibility, and working conditions.
“I am happy and proud to have the support of all my colleagues on this very important issue on this very important day,” said Rogers. “Now we will be pushing government to commit to a concrete plan and timeline so the women of Newfoundland and Labrador know this important work will happen.
“We have taken a significant step to reducing the wage gap in this province, and I look forward to the day when pay equity legislation is introduced in this House.”