afo@pucc-k (Laurie J. Sefton) (02/19/85)
A few comments on the possible consequences of a "comparable
worth" law:
1.) Increased taxes in the public sector. As wages for
currently unpaid jobs increase, so do the taxes to pay them.
Parity doesn't come cheap.
2.) A movement of industries in the private sector. Industries
in states that pass laws that will implement fair wage laws in
the private sector will move to states that don't.
3.) Jobs will be reclassified to a lower level (given lower
qualifications, and lower salaries), and industry will hire
over-qualified applicants only.
4.) As a few positions that are unable (due to other extant
laws) to be reclassified reach parity with other professions,
men will tend to dominate these fields (remember, when being a
secretary was considered a *real* job by the status quo, it was
male dominated. As women moved into the field, it lost its
status in the workplace)
In the final analysis, what will probably be the result of such a
law is increased taxes, a few lawsuits as states attempt to enforce
parity of pay, yet another layer added to the hiring process, and a
movement of males to a few professions.
BTW, if you want a quick explanation of what job analysis/job
evaluation entails, write to me. If I get enough responses, I'll
post, otherwise, I'll mail.
--
Laurie Sefton
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