Thoughts on discrimination against women

I would like to offer a response to the letter from Sylvia Moritz concerning workplace discrimination against women, and what she refers to as the "War on Women." Her letter states she proudly joined the recent protest "to spotlight that there are millions of women in America today who are not receiving equal pay for work.

"Women who are being sexually harassed and discriminated against in the workplace.

Women who are still not guaranteed paid family leave or sick days to take care of themselves and family members."

This issue has also been raised by Hollywood female celebrities at various awards shows where they have a venue with a captive audience.
I worked in various positions of responsibility in very large, medium and small-scale businesses, and my experience concerning these issues is different than hers. Normally, any position in a company has an associated pay scale and job description.

Administration of salary policy in conjunction with the pay scales was governed by human resources. Salary and pay scale for each individual was based on time in grade and performance evaluations granting increases for good performance. One exception to time in grade would be in filling a position from the outside when previous experience and qualifications would be a consideration. In those instances a person could be hired in at a higher rate than someone with more time in a position.

All the companies I worked for had a published anti sexual harassment policy in force. As a manager I was required to attend seminars concerning what actions could be considered as sexual harassment, and also how to handle complaints based on policy and procedure. I can tell you every company I worked for took a dim view of sexual harassment in the workplace, and diligently investigated any allegations. I'm not talking yesterday, I'm talking 35 years ago.

Ms. Moritz goes on to say, "The current administration has escalated this war of attacking women by limiting affordable insurance. I was unable to take the day, and I wore red to display my support to this action." I don't find this claim creditable since Obamacare hasn't officially been repealed or modified. Any failure in this area is probably due to the disintegration of Obamacare all on its own.

In support of this movement Ms. Moritz proudly states, "I did not spend any money that day. There were many of us who wore red. Disrupting business is one method to focus the struggles of women and force our leaders to take action protecting them. Becoming more involved in the electoral process is another." There is already legislation in force to protect them.

Apparently Ms. Moritz sees herself and all women as damsels in distress and victims of a conspiracy to keep women down. I can state with confidence that I personally know many strong women who do not consider themselves victims to anyone and who voted for Donald Trump. The difference being they are not waiting for the government to fix things.

The other issue which is bothersome about her allegations is the lack of specificity. There are government agencies in place to deal with these issues, e.g., NLRB, EOEC, OSHA, to name a few; where are the facts from any of them to back up these claims? I'm sure agencies keep track of claims concerning unfair treatment in the workplace; where are those statistics?

I challenge one Hollywood star to give a specific example of what male movie star got paid more for the same picture and by how much. Does unfair treatment in the workplace occur? Undoubtedly, yes; does it occur on a level described by some, no one knows for certain. It's only an issue when it suits someone's political agenda.

Ms. Moritz states in her closing she is one woman who won't be silenced. Who's trying to silence her and for what reason?

Wayne Allen
Lewes