Disclaimer: This resource is for information only, and is intended to assist employers in complying with the Pay Equity Act. It is not to be construed or considered as legal advice, nor warranted to be complete and accurate, and may be amended without notice. It does not restrict Review Officers of the Pay Equity Office in their interpretation and determination of matters under the Act.
The Pay Equity Act was amended on July 1st, 1993. The amendments require that the proportional value comparison method be applied to all female job classes that could not achieve pay equity using the Job-to-Job comparison method.
As a result, the pay equity plan posted on January 1st, 1993 is amended as follows:
Female job classes with male comparators
The job-to-job comparison method was used to achieve pay equity for the following job classes:
- Accounting Supervisor
- Administrative Assistant
Female job classes without male comparators
The proportional value comparison method was used to achieve pay equity for the following female job classes:
- Accounting Clerk
- Customer Service Clerk
- Marketing Coordinator
- Receptionist
- Secretary
Representative group of male job classes
The following male job classes were used as the representative group of male job classes when applying the proportional value method:
- Accountant
- Controller
- Market Assistant
- Marketing Manager
- Programmer
- Sales Representative
- Sales Manager
- Shipper/Receiver
- Warehouse Manager
Method of comparison
A gender neutral job comparison system was used to measure the value of each job class. Points were assigned to each job class based on the following factors and subfactors:
For example, while a secretary’s job may require less physical effort and have better working conditions than a custodian’s job, the secretary’s job may require more responsibility, mental effort and skill. If this is the case, the overall value of the secretary’s job could be the same as the custodian’s and should be paid at least the same.
Table 1: Gender neutral job comparison system
| Factors | Subfactors |
|---|---|
| Skill (30%) |
|
| Effort (25%) |
|
| Responsibility (35%) |
|
| Working Conditions (10%) |
|
Evaluations were carried out by a committee.
Job classes of equal or comparable value were determined by dividing the system into point bands, 75 points wide.
Proportional value comparisons and calculations
The job value and job rates of all male job classes were plotted on a graph. A representative group of male job classes was selected from these male job classes.
A statistical method called regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the value of male job classes and their job rates. This produced a formula that was then used to calculate pay equity job rates for female job classes.
Pay equity is achieved when the female job class is paid the pay equity job rate. Female job classes that are paid less than the pay equity job rate receive an adjustment until pay equity is achieved. Female job classes that are paid more than the pay equity job rate do not receive a proportional value adjustment.
Table 2: Proportional value comparisons and calculations
| Job Class | Value | Present Job Rate | Pay Equity Job Rate | Adjustment Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Clerk | 350 | $13.25 | $14.07 | $0.82 |
| Customer Service Clerk | 390 | $14.50 | $15.59 | $1.09 |
| Marketing Coordinator | 380 | $16.00 | $15.21 | $0.00 |
| Receptionist | 340 | $13.04 | $13.69 | $0.65 |
| Secretary | 400 | $14.72 | $15.97 | $1.25 |
How do I get more help or information?
The Pay Equity Commission is here to help you. We can answer your questions by e-mail at AskPayEquity@ontario.ca;or by phone at 416-314-1896, or toll-free at 1-800-387-8813 and at Local: 416-212-3991 or Toll-free: 1-855-253-8333.
