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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Women Ask About Work Issues And Related Topics

Carol Kleiman Chicago Tribune

Reader: I can’t tell you how strongly I agree with your column describing the wage gap between women and men. I read it while sitting at my desk with my heart palpitating and my head hurting at what I just received for my annual increase. I am a technical worker for a large company, the only black and only one of two female professionals. I’ve observed a lot of nepotism, favoritism, racism and sexism here.

Salaries and promotions are very hush-hush, but I do know I make $11,000 a year less than my white male co-workers.

I work hard and long, never say no to an assignment, am dedicated and loyal (at least, so far). But I can’t get a good raise or a promotion.

Well, Carol, I’m tired of this crap. I’ve had it with being passed over and taking a back seat to others. I’m checking out employment lawyers who might want to take a bite out of a big company that doesn’t play fair.

Comment: You are very smart, very articulate and, I assume, very good at your work. You have kept an impressive paper trail of what’s been happening to you and, if you feel you are strong enough and financially able to do battle, talk to an employment lawyer and to your local branch of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You may have a case under the Equal Pay Act and Title 7 of the U.S. Civil Rights Act.

At the same time, you might want to look for another job. Being passed over for promotion and being discriminated against not only can cause “palpitations,” but also can sap your confidence. You probably should get out before they convince you you’re not good.

And you know you’re good.

Reader: I’ve been at home full time for 15 years raising my children. Now I want to go back to school to prepare for the work world. I was just a few credits away from my undergraduate degree when my first child was born. What is my best approach?

Comment: You’re right on target about the importance of having a college degree in this information age and high-tech society. Go to the career counseling department of your local community or four-year college, where guidance counselors will be able to tell you what you need to do.

And while completing your degree, take all the courses you can in computer technology.

Reader: I’m an “over-the-hill” woman - yes, in my late 60s - but resourceful, smart and look great. Though I am not seeking employment, I am very aware of age discrimination against women and I’m sick of it!

In fact, I’ve written to producers of national television news shows saying I’m weary of seeing only old men as anchors, why not add some old women, like me?

I don’t get answers from the networks, but do you think women would have been able to stay on those shows if they were the same age as the men?

Comment: I know you already know the answer to your question because the older women aren’t there. They’re often considered over the hill when they reach the ripe old age of 30. It’s a shame you’re not looking for a job. I’d love to see you as an anchor on a national news show and hear your comments.

Reader: As manager of a large office of administrative assistants - 98 percent women, 31 percent mothers - I found your column on how family benefits also benefit the company very interesting.

My company does a good job of offering “time out of the office,” but working mothers need a flexible schedule, in addition to days away.

Unfortunately, the firm hasn’t come up with a way to offer this to administrative employees. We won’t allow a mother to catch a 4:30 p.m. train to get to day care by 6 p.m. I’m concerned about low morale and high turnover of top employees. What can I do to implement flextime?

Comment: Being a caring and aware manager is an excellent start, but, as you point out, more is needed. If you belong to a professional association of managers, get input from them. Ask permission of your company to call human resource departments of other companies in your field to find out what they’re doing about administrative assistants.

Another source of help: Contact work and family consultants who deal with this problem on a daily basis.

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