BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Women's Issues Are we just worth 69 percent?

Alexandra, I know discrimination against women is illegal in the US, I know it happens anyway. I am not sure how they get away with it but I also thought it was more the norm to pay the same for positions.

"However, it has been discovered that women in general are earning less than men, because their hours (in the office) are usually shorter"

That's what I was thinking when I said I could see how an overall view would show men and women earning differently. All I can really look as it people I know.

Out of the women I know who work, they choose part time jobs or jobs that offer flexible schedules or easy hours.

There are women in the office and field where my husband works. There are no female maintanance techs, only helpers. Several months ago they asked for a helper to move into a tech position and every woman said no even though this meant a raise.

The female helpers make the same as the male ones but only one of the women actually does maintenance work. The others handle the tech's paperwork and scheduling. And that's acceptable as a division of labor.

But I am thinking of what these women won't do on a job and what that will mean for them in future. I don't think it's shocking if they get fewer opportunities or less pay than a man in general. I am still opposed to paying less for the exact same job.

Companies get away with disparate wage scales for men/women because companies are run by men and so is our government, so wage equality laws are not enforced. Women don't care anymore like we did in the 60's, so it stays as it is.

That's just sad, really.

Jan, do you think women on a whole shoot themselves in the foot so to speak on this one? I posted about what I saw going on at the company my husband worked for. And on a larger field, I don't know many women who want to work the hours that many men do, give as much to the job or do everything a job requires.

If a large number of women are vocal about their lack of loyalty and commitment to the company, that leads to the belief that women won't give as much or they'll be gone when they have babies. It's not fair to lump every woman together but that's today's challenge, I suppose...to be seen as an individual and be measured for one's own merit.

The other problem faced in the work force (at least here in the UK) is that - well, let's say;
You have a job opening in middle Management.
You receive several candidates, and quite frankly, the best one for the job, is that young lady of 25...she's dynamic, experienced, sensible, intelligent and obviously up to the challenges.
you employ her, invest in training, salary, business cards and stationery, a company car, and quite a lot of company time tied up in supporting her and the job she's doing.
After eight months, she's pregnant. so she's entitled to time off for natal appointments, sick leave when necessary and eventually, she leaves at seven months, but you are legally obliged to keep her job open for her, and to continue paying her maternity leave, but she also needs a temporary replacement for her post...for whom you have to invest in training, salary, business cards and stationery, a company car, and quite a lot of company time tied up in supporting them in their temporary role....This will go on for a few months until the original employee is scheduled to return.
However, you then find out the young lady has actually decided to NOT return to work after having had her baby, and the temp Agency wants their worker back in that case, so you have to re-advertise, and go through the whole rigmarole all over again....

You can see why some companies are shy about their employment records.....

Yes, I can see that problem here. My working friends put their families before their jobs and it's obvious they do so. That has to look a bit like lack of commitment to the company.

In think this is really job vs career mentality. Even with men you have the company men who give above and beyond to the company, they are motivated, they find fulfillment in their jobs. Then there are men who do their job but aren't the go getters others are. I am sure it's the same with women and maybe that is what needs to be seen.

You speak the truth, Alexandra. OTOH, there are women who work their butts off, expecting to advance, having no thought of babies or even husbands for that matter and they are tarred by the same brush.
Thankfully some companies hire/promote according to individual abilities and not because of baby making equipment or expectations. My niece works as a chemical engineer for Honeywell. Her husband stays home with their 5 yo. He has stayed home with the boy since he was born. My niece has advanced up the career ladder appropriately and now has 40 ish people working for her. Honeywell is to be applauded.