Agenda Packets - 1984/02/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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t) r MEMO TO: Mayor and City Council -� FROM: Clerk-Administrat I DATE: February 22, 1984 SUBJECT: COMPARABLE WORTH As some of you are aware the issue of comparable worth is the most recent development of major proportions in the area of personnel administration. Basically, comparable worth can be defined as the requirement that irrespective of sex individuals be paid comparable wages for work which is substantially equal in the aicas vt work effort, and responsibility. As I indicated in a recent Administrative Newsletter, it is anti- cipated that the issue of comparable worth will be discussed in the 1984 Legislative Session as a result of legislation being introduced which would, if adopted, require that the State and all other governmental units pay comparable wages for comparable jobs. The League of Minnesota Cities and the Minnesota Legislative Commission (a group of 14 cities who will be jointly lobbying in 1984) have prepared draft policy statements, which have not been adopted by the organizations, on the issue of comparable worth. These statements, copies attached, address the issue of comparable worth by recommending to the Legislature that certain principles be used as a guide in the preparation and adoption of legislation on this issue. Although the City of Mounds view has in my opinion taken great strides towards addressing the issue of comparable worth in its wages as a result of 1984 wage adjustments, any new State laws could have significant impact upon the process followed and ultimate wages paid to all of our employees. Therefore, I would recommend that the City Council, at a minimum, provide staff with direction for our possible lobbying efforts on the issue of comparable worth and, if i.t is felt to be appropriate, adopt a policy statement on the issue of comparable worth which can be submitted to our Legislators and used by staff during the lobbying process. I would like to point out that I strongly support the payment of comparable wages for comparable work effort irregardless of sex and race, however, I am concerned with the methods that might be dictated by State legislation for our accomplishing such a goal, namely, are comparable wages based upon market conditions or are they established in a vacuum irregardless of market conditions, are comparable wages accomplished over a reasonable period of time or is a significant burden placed upon the organization by a requirement that comparable wages be paid immediately, are comparable worth wages accomplished without causing for a spiraling effect in labor contracts and are they or are they not an issue subject to arbitration, and are comparable wages achieved only by increasing