Fighting for Fairness - Equal Pay = Equal Work
Fighting for Fairness: My Journey as a Female Grade Setter
I love my job – there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a project come together from the ground up. But as a woman in this field, I've faced more than my fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to earning the same pay as my male counterparts.
Facing the Skeptics on Day One
I remember my first day on the job like it was yesterday. Walking onto the site, I was met with skeptical glances and whispered comments. "What's she doing here?" "Hope she knows this isn't a place for girls." I shrugged it off, focusing on proving myself through hard work and dedication. After all, actions speak louder than words.
Enduring Derogatory Remarks
Over the years, I honed my skills, ensuring every grade was set with precision. Despite my efforts, the whispers never really went away. "Hey, sweetheart, are you sure you can handle that?" they'd jeer. "Shouldn’t you be home baking cookies?" It took every ounce of my professionalism to keep my head down and keep working. But no matter how thick my skin became, those words stung.
Discovering the Wage Gap
What hurt more was discovering that I wasn't being paid the same as the men who performed the same duties. I found out one day while chatting with a colleague, Jim, over lunch. We were discussing our wages, and he casually mentioned his hourly rate. It was significantly higher than mine.
"Wait, Jim, how much did you say you make an hour?" I asked, trying to mask my shock.
"Forty-five," he replied nonchalantly.
My stomach churned. I was making thirty-five. Now I know I look young but I had been grade setting for five more years than him, yet here I was, earning less for the same job. The realization was a punch to the gut. Despite my hard work and dedication, I was still seen as less valuable simply because I was a woman?
Taking Action for Fairness
I decided I had to take action. I approached my supervisor, Mr. Thompson, to discuss the disparity. Nervously, I laid out my case, highlighting my qualifications and contributions to the team.
"Mr. Thompson, I've been with this company for years, and I consistently deliver high-quality work. Yet, I'm being paid less than my male colleagues for the same job. This isn't right," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
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He looked at me, eyebrows raised, and said, "Sally, you're a great worker, but you know how it is. The guys have families to support."
His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I had a family to support too, but apparently, that didn't matter. It was a harsh reminder of the biases that still persist in this industry. Frustrated but determined, I knew I couldn't let this slide.
Documenting the Disparity
I started documenting everything – my work hours, my achievements, and the pay rates of my colleagues. Armed with evidence, I reached out to Mr. Thompson again, making my case. I explained that I also had responsibilities but more importantly provided performance that was equally matched and thus should be equally compensated. He lowered his head and said, " Well, you know this is going to stir some people up, but I guess if I had a daughter doing what your doing, I would want her to be treated equally."
Persevering Through Adversity
Meanwhile, on the site, the comments didn't stop. "Hey, Sally, fighting the system again?" they’d sneer. "Good luck with that." I used their words as fuel, channeling my frustration into my work and my fight for fairness. I was not going to let Mr. Thompson's "pity for me" as if I were a daughter, be the reason I got my fair share.
Achieving a Step Forward
A couple of weeks went by and I finally saw the increase on my check ....barely. It wasn't equal but it was a start. It wasn't a complete victory – the pay gap hadn't entirely closed – but it was a step in the right direction.
The Ongoing Fight for Equity
The fight for pay equity is far from over, and my story is just one of many. Women in construction continue to face significant challenges, from enduring derogatory comments to battling for fair wages. It's crucial for companies to prioritize transparency and fairness in salary structures, ensuring that everyone is paid based on their skills and contributions, not their gender.
Moving Forward with Determination
As for me, I’ll keep pushing forward, setting grades with precision and standing up for what's right. Because in the end, it's not just about the money – it's about respect, equality, and paving the way for future generations of women in construction. I encourage you to step in where you can. It doesn't mean you have to fight my fight for me, but having you by my side is a start.