Rigidity is setting in that obscures reasonable discussion of the imperfections of a free market where women's wages are concerned, and increases the likelihood that comparable worth, if implemented, might substitute one set of arbitrary job evaluations for another. (MLW)

Analyzes the new guidelines for enforcement of the Equal Pay Act and their implications for personnel management. Argues that there are key problem areas in the new regulations arising from considerable ambiguity and uncertainty about their interpretation. (SK)

Gender discrimination and wage inequity remain problems worldwide. In the United States and Canada, where equal rights and protective legislation have been in place for nearly 40 years, glaring disparities in salaries and job opportunities remain. Similar problems have been studied in the United Kingdom, leading to enactment of the 1975 Sex…

Argues that sex discrimination has depressed salaries for jobs filled primarily by women. Shows that under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, workers in traditionally female occupations can establish equal pay claims. Suggests approaches for developing legal and enforcement standards to deal with discriminatory compensation in traditionally female…

The applicability of legal principles governing equal pay and sex discrimination in university settings is discussed. The most objective mechanism that a university can utilize to achieve compliance with the Equal Pay Act would be implementation of a salary system that relies on experience, formal education, and time in grade. (MLW)

Challenges to compensation programs because of their disparate impact on men and women have been broadened. Criteria for a defensible and explainable job evaluation system are offered. (Author/MLF)

Questions whether the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other agency of the federal government, has the authority to create guidelines for personnel evaluation in the private sector. (Author/IRT)

Traces the history of laws and litigation concerning pay equity issues, also referred to as wage equity and comparable worth. Suggests that universities and colleges identify possible problems and take voluntary corrective measures before pay-equity problems arise. (MLF)

Current experiences and practices that exist in some colleges and universities that violate the Civil Rights Act and affirmative action legislation are discussed. Treatment of the average black, other minority, and women candidates as compared to the average white candidate is questioned in regard to staff recruitment, assignment to line as…