In Ontario women are “in the red” because they earn 28% less than men, for work of equal value. The gap is even bigger for racialized women, women with disabilities and Aboriginal women. CUPE is working with the Ontario Equal Pay Coalition to change that.
On Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., CUPE social service sector members will be shaking it up in Nathan Phillips Square, sparking social change with the “Get out of the red” dance action in support of the Ontario Equal Pay Coalition, Take Action to Close the Gender Pay Gap & Ontario’s first annual Equal Pay Day, Tuesday, April 9.
The pay gap is unjust.
It hurts our communities and the economy.
It impacts CUPE sisters and some brothers too.
The gender pay gap affects many CUPE members since our union is nearly 65% female. CUPE sisters and many brothers who work in social services – considered a “female dominated” sector – are directly affected by wage inequality.
Pay equity (also known as equal pay for work of equal value) is considered a fundamental human right. Its goal is to stop discrimination related to the under-valuation of work traditionally performed by women. Problem is that while the provincial government is supposed to fund social service agencies to maintain pay equity, underfunding of the sector often results in agencies being forced to decide between meeting their obligations to equity and maintaining valuable services and supports for Ontarians who rely on them.
It shouldn’t be this way.
Write to Premier Kathleen Wynne and ask her to ensure social service agencies are provided adequate funding to meet pay equity obligations and provide valuable public services in communities across Ontario. Ask the Premier to officially declare an annual Equal Pay Day, starting with this Tuesday, April 9.
Contact Premier Wynne at: Kathleen.wynne@ontario.ca
Join the CUPE social service members’ dance action “to get out of the red” at Nathan Phillips Square, Saturday, March 23, 2013, 12:30 p.m.