Skip to main content

Fair pay?

Jan 19 2009 by Derek Torres
Print This Article

If you're to believe the Miami Herald, fair pay legislation is bad news for companies that are already struggling in an unfriendly business climate (read: recession). Furthermore, the Herald also believes that exists laws on the book already do sufficient enough job to guarantee that those with the proper experience get the right amount of pay.

I can see the argument up to a certain point – it's a pity that new laws are required to enforce ones that are already on the books. It's also a pity that people who are being shortchanged by their employers are also getting the guilt trip laid on by a journalist - one who is both female and Hispanic. I wonder if she's every felt that double whammy in her pay?

I agree that in discrimination cases, it's up to the plaintiff to provide ample proof of discriminatory practices. However, to assert that people who file these cases are making claims that are impossible to verify hardly seems believable to me.

Companies have an obligation to respect existing legislation with respect to equal pay for equal work (assuming equal experience). Given how the US tends to be, let's say litigious, shall we, you'd expect companies to be keenly aware of any such appearances of impropriety.

Regardless, if there is sufficient reason to suspect discrimination, it's totally reasonable to expect some sort of relief from the law. For the Herald to assume that those who were wronged are partially to blame for the state of the economy or costing companies values resources in a tough business place is simply ridiculous.

Latest book reviews

MORE BOOK REVIEWS

Hone - How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift

Hone - How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift

Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldbach

In a business landscape obsessed with transformation and disruption, Hone offers a refreshingly counterintuitive approach to today's organisational challenges.

Relationship Currency

Relationship Currency

Ravi Rajani

In an era where AI can draft emails and manage our schedules, 'Relationship Currency' is a timely reminder of the importance of investing in genuine human connection.

Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm

Super Adaptability: How to Transcend in an Age of Overwhelm

Max McKeown

Max Mckeown's heavyweight new book draws from neuroscience, psychology and cultural evolution to develop a practical framework for human adaptability. It might also help you move from paralysis into abundance