Olivia’s Adventures In the Land of Pay Inequity
O nce 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 Shawn, a New Brunswicker. Being a good host, Shawn offered to introduce Olivia to some workers. She gladly agreed.
Shawn first took Olivia to a local business.
There, she met some of the staff. Olivia struck up a conversation with a secretary, Beth.
Upon enquiry, Olivia discovered that Beth earned $13.02 an hour, while the janitors earned $ Olivia was outraged.
“But why, Shawn? It’s completely unfair!” exclaimed Olivia. “I don’t know…Maybe because it’s a woman’s job, so it’s easier,” replied Shawn.
“What?! But a secretary needs more education, and has more responsibilities!” remarked Olivia.
Since Olivia loved children, Shawn 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.
“Actually, I only earn $8.20 an hour,” replied Suzanne. “That’s unbelievable! How can you live off so little?” “It’s not easy… My friend makes $16.24 as a store clerk for NB Liquor – most of them are men, so it pays better! I’m thinking of joining him.”
“ Shawn, 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, Shawn took Olivia to a hospital.
Olivia, stopped to talk with a patient services worker named Romy. “Romy, you look tired!” declared Olivia.
“I am. I work constantly to support my family. I only make $15.68 an hour,” explained Romy. “I should have become a painter, they make $18.68 here…”
“Shawn, 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!” 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 think I would have liked living here…”
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 a pay equity law.
Send this slide show to 10 people, and you’ll enlighten them! Send it to your MLA, and you’ll increase our chances of getting a pay equity law within the next year! If you break the chain, you’ll be upholding injustice!
Created by the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity (also available in French)