I guess it could be surmised that the difference in pay really reflects the disparity in the position levels between men and women...

I'm not so sure that it should really be an issue, because while I am (obviously) a proponent for equal pay for women for equal work, I am not a believer in affirmative action. I really believe that while two people may be equally qualified for the same job, the freedom to choose the employee of your choice based on other criteria (personality, affinity, etc) should always be there as well. Regardless of the business, employers look for different types for different positions. Some positions require a person who works best independently and is very aggressive. Others require a person who works well in a team. Another position may be good for someone who is slower, but methodical and plodding...

Not to mention that two people in the same organization may do the same job, but one may be paid higher due to more experience or more education. They are doing the same work, but are paid differently for those reasons. We know that happens all the time. The lower paid individual may actually do a better job, but he/she may not be paid the same because most often the pay level is determined at the time of hiring.


>I would have to assume they are, otherwise the article would be invalid. I don't know if the issue exist in reality or is it just demagoguery .
>
>
>>The first question in my mind is whether these staffers were/are all in equal positions. There are different levels of congressional staff, just as there are in any other organization. I don't know the answer but think it's a valid question.
>>
>>>http://cc.msnscache.com/cache.aspx?q=women+on+mccain+staff+paid+more&d=73928574962342&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=34371c0b,fc0d55a1
>>>
>>>