PAY EQUITY

WHEREAS, the differential between men's and women's wages continues to grow; and

WHEREAS, over 80 percent of women workers are segregated into "female" occupations that are different in content from "men's" jobs but in many cases are not different in the skill, effort and responsibility required; and

WHEREAS, low rates for women tend to bring down the wage rate for men as well as women; and

WHEREAS, courts are not the proper forum to set wage policies except to rectify cases of intentional discrimination; and

WHEREAS, experience and trade union principles indicate that the collective bargaining process is the most effective means for workers to achieve equitable pay and employment benefits:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers urges its affiliated locals to include the issue of equal pay for work of comparable value in their negotiations for units which include workers in classifications which have been kept artificially low, and also to use the options of legislation, political action, or litigation; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT joins with the AFL-CIO in efforts to break down sexual stereotyping in our society so that women and men can have access to economic parity; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will assist locals in developing comparable worth proposals should locals request such assistance.