On November 21, 1996, Quebec recognized the existence of systemic discrimination based on sex against people occupying jobs in predominantly female categories and adopted a Pay Equity Act (LES). . An important law that protects our fundamental rights.
25 years later, however, we do not have the heart fully to the party.
Of course, there have been important advances, but serious inequalities remain. We will not give up, there is still some way to go.
We can celebrate
25 years later, we can celebrate the fact that since its adoption, it is the employers who have the responsibility to demonstrate that the workplace and the compensation process respect the right to pay equity.
25 years later, we can celebrate the fact that thanks to the law, women workers no longer have to defend themselves or pay endless costs to assert their right to pay equity. The burden of proof has been reversed, and this represents a significant gain.
25 years later, we can celebrate the fact that employers must put in place clear proactive measures to ensure pay equity. They must also display the results of the work.
But it is inconceivable …
It is inconceivable that a woman still earns an average of 89 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
It is inconceivable that due to multiple discrimination in Canada in 2015, racialized women earned 59 cents for every dollar earned by non-racialized men.
It is inconceivable that despite the changes made to the LES in 2009 and 2019, fundamental problems remain and still harm women.
It is inconceivable that employers will continue to delay or refuse to comply with this law.
Pay equity is still an unfinished goal and the LES must be improved so that pay inequities are genuinely and durably repaired.
The Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity has repeatedly said that there would be another opportunity to bring about more substantial reform to the Pay Equity Act.
In all the current turmoil around Quebec’s economic recovery, pay equity must be a priority.
How can we ignore that women have been hit harder economically by the consequences of the pandemic? How can we also ignore that they have contributed massively to the collective effort by occupying key positions in essential sectors?
Inequities
The past few months have largely brought to light the injustice of these inequities. For the Quebec of tomorrow that we want, the recovery of our economy must be fair and equitable.
Mr. Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity, on the 25the anniversary of the LES is the perfect opportunity to complete the long road that remains to be done.
We are therefore extending our hand to you so that it can be done quickly. We want a better law! The next changes should make it possible to achieve 100% of the objective of the law: equal wages for equivalent jobs.