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Strategies for Winning Fair PayAFSCME has been in the forefront of the pay equity movement for more than 20 years, winning over half a billion dollars worth of pay equity adjustments at the bargaining table, in state and local legislatures, and through legal action. AFSCME's experience shows that there are many routes to success. Here are a few suggestions for winning and keeping fair pay: Organize a UnionWomen who belong to unions make more than those who are unrepresented. Union-represented women earn 34 percent more than non-union women.
Make the most of employer job evaluation studiesIf your employer conducts a job evaluation study, work to ensure that the study addresses pay inequities.
Bargain flat-dollar increasesWhen unions bargain for a cents-per-hour wage increase, rather than a percent increase, lower paid classifications receive a larger raise. This bargaining strategy helps the lowest paid classification moves up and decreases the difference in pay between the lowest and highest paid employee.
Start or join a Living Wage Campaign in your areaAFSCME-led coalitions are succeeding in passing laws across the country which establish minimum living wage pay for employees of state or city contractors that enable workers to support themselves and their families.
Introduce or support local pay equity legislationMuch of AFSCME's success at the bargaining table has grown out of legislation calling for public employers to conduct pay equity studies or requiring jurisdictions to implement pay equity. Although many states have taken steps toward pay equity, only Minnesota has comprehensive legislation covering state and local government employees — so much remains to be done!
AFSCME Education & Leadership Training Department1625 L Street, NW Last updated 6/2006 |
Mary Goulding
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