Question about equal pay for equal work...

[jschut]

Scenario:

RN #1~ Male. Has not been a nurse quite a year yet. Good nurse, asks a lot of questions. Has a very "boss-y" attitude, tends to stress easily and yell at others. Base pay is $25/hr.

RN #2~ Female. Has been a nurse over 10 yrs, recently obtained RN. Good nurse, self sufficient. Helps others. Base pay is $21/hr.

There is less than 6 months difference in hire dates at this facility, both RN's do the exact same job on different days.

RN#2 was told at hire she would be making $23/hr upon hire, then rate of pay was changed to $21/hr (admin states, "It's Corporates doing...")

Tell me, what would you do in a situation such as this if you were RN#2?

Would anyone contact the Equal Opportunity Commision?

[Guest 360983]

I know it's illegal, but I've worked for several companies that will fire you for disclosing your pay rate. I live in an at will state, so even if they don't fire you for that specific reason, they can give almost any reason for firing you. Add that to only having two salaries to compare, where there could be multiple explanations for the difference (vs several men and several women, to establish a trend), and I wouldn't do anything beyond look for a new job or try to negotiate a higher salary (without mentioning the other person's rate).

[CrazierThanYou]

I too live in an at-will state. The cold, hard truth is that there are tons of illegal things that go on in work places but nothing is done. Because, when it comes right down to it, the people who matter couldn't possibly care less.

[Music in My Heart]

I know it's illegal, but I've worked for several companies that will fire you for disclosing your pay rate. I live in an at will state, so even if they don't fire you for that specific reason, they can give almost any reason for firing you. Add that to only having two salaries to compare, where there could be multiple explanations for the difference.

I don't believe that that would be an unlawful termination if they specifically state that compensation is private. As an at-will employer, though, they don't have to give any reason at all for termination. The only issue is whether they claim termination-for-cause (meaning no unemployment insurance) or a simple at-will termination (unemployment insurance is paid). Either way, no job.

[germjunkie]

It's not illlegal. Currently equal pay based on gender is under debate (again) in congress. Plus, if the employer says "$25 is what he demanded and we're short of nurses," then it's not discrimination, it's free enterprise. We as women need to recognize that business is business, and be prepared to value ourselves enough to be able to say "this is what I am worth."

If it's a matter of jobs not being available for her to leave to, then the situation sucks. But that doesn't seem to be the case is they are willing to pay someone with less experience more. Employers are not there to reward us for our hard work, they are there to try and exploit our hard work for the best price. Stop selling yourselves short and demand compensation that matches your level of expertise and value to the employer. In this economy, the businesses will pay the minimum they can and not a penny more. You're the commodity, you set the price.

[CrazierThanYou]

A neighbor of mine applied for a job at a local industrial plant. After interviewing her, the human resources person told her that she was "too fat" to do the job. Her and her mother consulted with a lawyer concerning discrimination. They were told by the lawyer that the company only had to rephrase his statement to "It is a medically unsafe position for the applicant". Most discrimination happens with no consequences.

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

While I agree that it isn't fair or right, if the male negotiated during hire he would get a better pay rate. I work at a union hospital; however, when I was hired I refused nights, asked for immediate vacation and advised what days I wanted to work. Although the recruiter was a little "ticked" she had no choice as I had already cleared everything through the manager. I got what I wanted....and then some.

In business everyone negotiates....if I make a move now, I will never be boxed into a contract again....or sell my skills and worth short. I know how I work and what I deserve, and will ask for it again!

As for the pay rate problem, I agree the questioner or reportee can be and will be fired for "making waves" as an example....personally I believe we should all be paid what we are worth....in nursing NO ONE IS PAID WHAT THEY ARE WORTH!

M