| Single adults make up 40 percent of the
nation’s full-time workforce. And they head up about 47 percent of the nation’s
households. Despite these large numbers, unmarried workers are
often treated unfairly by public employers, private companies, and even unions.
Disgruntled workers often have no legal recourse since, like most
states, federal law does not prohibit marital status discrimination in employment.
Grievance procedures are often of little use to unionized workers since many bargaining
agreements are silent on this issue.
Is there a conspiracy against unmarried workers by employers, unions,
and government officials? Not really. It’s just that single people have been
overlooked when economic pie is being sliced in corporate board rooms or at bargaining
tables. It is easy to overlook people who are not politically organized.
But times are changing. And single people are beginning to speak up.
Single mothers and gay couples have probably complained the loudest, and as a result, new
programs have been instituted to meet their needs. Child care, flex-time, and domestic
partner benefits are examples.
The rallying cry has been "equal pay for equal work" and
"respect for diversity." But these principles are not being applied across the
board so that all workers are treated equally regardless of their marital or family
status.
Domestic partnership benefits programs |
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should apply to same and opposite sex
couples who meet eligibility criteria. A single worker caring for a blood relative should
be able to designate that person as a benefits beneficiary. But
the workers who are really being short changed are the "solo singles" who do not
have a spouse, domestic partner, or dependent children. Their reduced benefits package is,
in effect, forcing them to subsidize the benefits of married couples and parents with
children.
Because these issues are of great concern to unmarried workers, AASP is
launching a Singles-Friendly Workplace Campaign. It will have a special section on our
website.
We will conduct an investigation and then develop strategies designed to
improve the situation for all unmarried workers, including solo singles, single parents,
and unmarried couples.
As data in this newsletter documents, single people generally make less
money than married people, have a higher unemployment rate, and receive less benefits
compensation. We plan to bring these issues to the attention of corporations, union
leaders, and elected officials.
Tell us if we have overlooked any problems single workers experience. At
your request, we could send this newsletter to your employer, keeping your identity
confidential if you wish.
Your economic future is at stake. Please make a donation to AASP to
support this project. Ask your co-workers to join. Participate! |
