The Evolution and Mechanics of Pay Equity in Ontario

The evolution of pay equity in Ontario is traced through its various stages, along with the rationale for each stage and the complexity that results from each advancement. The current practice of pay equity is then analyzed with respect to various design and implementation features as well as the basic mechanics that are involved in each implementation step: identifying gender-dominated jobs within the same establishment; applying gender-neutral job-evaluation procedures; establishing the relationship between pay and the job- evaluation results, and adjusting pay in the predominantly female-dominated jobs. The rationales for these features are discussed as is the implementation problems associated with their complexity.