ACHIEVING PAY EQUITY IN NORTH CAROLINA

 In North Carolina, 24 % of the state’s employees are in the lowest wage groups (grades 50-59); of these, almost three fourths, or 73.3 %, are women.

In the four largest departments, the University system, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Corrections, and Department of Transportation, women, particularly African-American and other minority women, are over-represented in lower pay grades.

Nationwide, in 2001, 60% of working women were in occupations which were made up of at least 70% women. Typically women’s jobs pay less than men’s. In Michigan, for example, registered nurses employed by the state earned less than groundskeepers.

Over 20 states have undertaken to implement some form of pay equity. This year 15 state legislatures are considering 24 equal pay bills.

In North Carolina H544, State Employee Pay Equity (Alexander), will establish a study commission to investigate disparities in state employees’ pay between men and women and minorities and non-minorities. The commission will examine whether dissimilar jobs requiring similar education, training, skills, and responsibilities are equally compensated. A single, bias-free point system of job evaluation can be used across occupational categories. The commission is to make recommendations for adjustments, perhaps targeting certain jobs. Adjustments may be phased in over time. No wages will be reduced. Pay scales will be raised for those jobs which have been under-compensated.

Some states have used a system-wide method of adjustment; others have targeted low-wage jobs. States that used targeting had the best results; Michigan, for instance, spent 1% and closed its wage gap by 26%.

The state, which is North Carolina’s largest employer, has an obligation to set a standard

of fairness for other employers.

For more information, see "Pay Equity in State Government," (1.5Meg PDF) by Kimberly Cartron and Polly Williams, a report from the NC Justice and Community Development Center, 2002, or e-mail Polly Williams at pollywil@aol.com.