Political parties weigh in on pay equity in the private sector

The NB Coalition for Pay Equity celebrated provincial pay equity day by inviting a representative from each of the provincial political parties to provide their positions on pay equity in the private sector last Friday (Nov 27).  Last year the province of New Brunswick committed to legislating pay equity in the public sector.

Pay equity is equal pay for work of equal value. Women are more affected by pay inequity since it tends to be the jobs predominantly held by women that are paid less than jobs predominately held by men.

The Liberal and Conservative parties both received failing grades from the Coalition for not committing to pay equity in the private sector.

The Coalition gave an A+ to the New Brunswick New Democratic Party (NDP). Julie Michaud, the party’s women’s representative said the NDP fully supports the adoption of pay equity in the private sector. “It is unacceptable that pay equity is not a requirement for everyone,” stated Michaud.

The new leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, Jack MacDougall, said that it was favourable to have pay equity in all sectors but he did not want to officially give a position until he received more information and consulted his party. The Coalition gave the Green party a B.

“The Coalition will continue dialogue with each of the parties. Pay equity is a human right and human rights need to apply to everyone,” stated Johanne Perron, executive director of the NB Coalition for Pay Equity.

Reacting to the provincial throne speech on Nov. 19, Marilyn MacCormack, the chair of the NB Coalition for Pay Equity said: “The five year Wage Gap Action Plan ends in June and it is clear that its voluntary approach does not work when it comes to pay equity. We continue to insist that a law is needed now so that the private sector workers are not left behind.”

Tracy Glynn is a writer and editor with the NB Media Co-op.