In the Land of Pay Inequity Olivia’s Adventures In the Land of Pay Inequity

Once upon a time, there was a woman named Olivia who wanted to see the world. She traveled to a far away land called New Brunswick to find work.

Upon her arrival, she met Brian, a New Brunswicker. Being a good host, Brian offered to introduce Olivia to some workers. She gladly agreed.

Brian first took Olivia to a local business.

There, she met some of the staff There, she met some of the staff. Olivia struck up a conversation with a secretary, Betty.

Upon enquiry, Olivia discovered that Betty earned $13 Upon enquiry, Olivia discovered that Betty earned $13.02 an hour, while the janitors earned $15.73. Olivia was outraged.

“But why, Brian? It’s completely unfair!” exclaimed Olivia. “I don’t know…Maybe because it’s a woman’s job, so it’s easier,” replied Brian.

“What?! But a secretary needs more education, and has more responsibilities!” remarked Olivia.

Since Olivia loved children, Brian then took her to a daycare.

There, Olivia was introduced to Suzanne, a childcare educator. “In my country, your job is highly valued, because you help shape future citizens. Here too?” asked Olivia.

“That’s unbelievable! How can you live off so little?” “Actually, I only earn $15,97 an hour, despite all the education I must have, which is very costly” replied Suzanne. “That’s unbelievable! How can you live off so little?” “It’s not easy… My friend makes $22,08 an hour as a general labour in a soft drink warehouse – most of them are men, so it pays better! I’m thinking of joining him.” 13.15 = « equal pay » according to government pay equity programme

“I don’t know…I guess they need to find better paying jobs.” “Brian, why are these women underpaid?” enquired Olivia. “I don’t know…I guess they need to find better paying jobs.” “But who’s going to take care of the children if all the educators quit?”

Afterwards, Brian took Olivia to a special care home.

Olivia, stopped to talk with a human service worker named Janet. “Janet, you look tired!” declared Olivia.

“I am. I work constantly to support my family. I only make $10 “I am. I work constantly to support my family. I only make $10.50 an hour,” explained Janet. “I should work in a gas station like my nephew. He earns $11.15 an hour…”

“Brian, were you aware of this?” asked Olivia. “Well, yes…But women aren’t breadwinners. They work for a secondary income.”

“But women need to pay for basic necessities like everyone else “But women need to pay for basic necessities like everyone else!” countered Olivia. “And what about women who live alone, or single mothers?”

Deeming she had seen enough, Olivia returned to her country shortly after.

“It’s such a shame New Brunswick women are underpaid. I would have liked living there…”

The moral of the story is… Women’s jobs should be paid the same as men’s jobs of equal value with the same employer. New Brunswick needs adequate pay equity legislation which also includes the private sector.

Created by the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity (aussi disponible en français) www.equite-equity.com coalitio@nb.sympatico.ca Twitter: @Coalition4PENB