COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

DEBORAH M. FIGART

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DOI: 10.2190/1RA6-PYPQ-K8E5-76MD

Abstract

Because women in their prime earning years face a higher sex-based wage gap than younger women, career development is an important component of a pay equity strategy. Labor-management cooperation in the public sector is taking the lead in this area. This article summarizes some success stories in states and localities, with an emphasis on New York State's Clerical and Secretarial Employee Advancement Program. In the examples reviewed, collective bargaining has been instrumental in opening new career opportunities for women. The three methods used by unions and employers for career enhancement are the crossover method, the bridge method, and the skills-upgrading method. Specific approaches have included job restructuring, education and training, class reevaluations, and the creation of bridge occupations.

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