Government proceeds with Pay Equity Policy

Released on March 7, 1997

The Minister responsible for the Status of Women announced today the
Government is moving to implement the principle of equal pay for work
of equal value. Joanne Crofford is pleased to make this announcement
the day before International Women's Day.

"We are proud that we have followed up on our commitment to implement
pay equity through the collective bargaining process for the public
sector," Crofford said. "Our government has recently approved an Equal
Pay for Equal Value Policy Framework that sets out minimum standards
required of employers within Government Departments, agencies, and
Crown Corporations as they develop and implement pay equity."

The Policy Framework contains minimum standards. It requires employers
and union/employee representatives to jointly develop a gender neutral
job evaluation system. The resulting wage adjustments are considered
separate and distinct from the regular collective bargaining process.
The Policy Framework requires wage adjustments be completed within a
five year time frame, and annual wage adjustments should average at
least one per cent of payroll for the affected group during the phase-
in period.

"This framework will assist us in ensuring that people are paid
according to the value of the work that they do regardless of gender,"
Crofford said.

The first organization to proceed with wage adjustments within the
policy framework is the Workers Compensation Board. It is anticipated
that Government Departments, SaskEnergy, SIAST and SaskTel will
conclude their negotiations this calendar year. Negotiations in other
areas of the public sector are in process.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Faye Rafter
Executive Co-ordinator for the Women's Secretariat
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1548