Today is Equal Pay Day

In 2005, the most recent year for which data is available, women continue to earn only 77 cents on the dollar to their male counterparts. To match men's earnings for 2007, women have to work from January 2007 to April 2008 — an extra four months.

In recognition of this inequity, Equal Pay Day will be celebrated on April 22, 2008. At the University of Arkansas we recognize Equal Pay Day, but AFSCME Local 965 does not celebrate it. More than a year ago, we asked Chancellor John White to address the documented disparity between salaries for male and female professors. He has done nothing to significantly reduce this inequality.

Pay equity is the achievement of the appropriate recognition, status and value for the work performed by women and people of color. Work value is reflected in the wage rate. But pay equity is more than money.

Achieving pay equity for all women is a long-term goal and there are a variety of ways to get there. As a resident of our local community you are the expert on what strategies may work in Arkansas right now.