WORKPLACE
Retail pay dispute over gender
Q: My daughter works part-time for a retailer at a local mall. She says the store’s male employees earn more than their female counterparts, even when they all perform the same work. What can she do?
A: The discrimination you describe would be illegal, said the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.
“All forms of pay, including salary, overtime pay, bonuses, vacation pay, insurance, use of company vehicles, and benefits, are covered by the laws enforced by EEOC,” said Elizabeth Grossman, regional attorney in the commission’s New York office.
An employer may justify the pay differential if it results because of a seniority system, a merit system, an incentive system or other factors such as education, experience, training, ability, shift differential or job-classification systems. For more on laws prohibiting gender discrimination, go to EEOC.gov. For more on National Equal Pay Day, go to http://bit.ly/12rSkXc.
— Carrie Mason-Draffen, Newsday
Strict manager seeks change
Q: It’s been pointed out to me that I’m too authoritarian as a manager; my way is to just tell them what to do and how to do it. I’m not sure I need to change, but if I wanted to, how would I do it?
A: You don’t have to take an “all or nothing” approach, and adapting your style, while not easy, will likely lead to improved team performance. Focus your reflection on the benefits and costs of your current style, and also consider the implications of integrating more coaching skills. Set aside any defensiveness and become open to the possibilities that change may bring.
How do you feel when you are direct with team members? It may give you a sense of security that things will be done right and that you have control. This can be reassuring, particularly if you work in a chaotic or stressful environment. But it causes its own stress.
— Liz Reyer, Minneapolis Star
Tribune
REAL ESTATE
Easy loan modifications
Q: I heard about a new program in which mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will do loan modifications without all of the paperwork and red tape. Is this true?
A: Believe it. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which controls Fannie and Freddie, recently announced new options for distressed homeowners. The Streamlined Modification Initiative, which begins July 1, will allow certain borrowers 90 or more days late with payments to receive loan modification offers without documentation.
— Gary M. Singer, Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel
FINANCE
Websites cater to women
Here is a sampling of financial information targeted specifically for women on the Internet:
• BlueSuitMom.com: Touches on a variety of financial subjects important to women. Site: www.bluesuitmom.com/money/
• Nolo: Features a personal financial guide on managing money, surviving divorce and planning for retirement. Site: www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/personal-finance-women-29620.html.
• Women’s Institute for Financial Education: Provides features on financial matters, such as taxes, retirement, and budgeting and planning. Site: www.wife.org/money_invest.htm.
• Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement: Spotlights five key financial categories under “Your Financial Future” on home page. Site: www.wiserwomen.org.
• U.S. Department of Labor: Covers aspects of an employer retirement plan and tracking Social Security benefits. Site: www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/women.html.
— Chuck Myers, McClatchy-Tribune News