patrick white

donate Patrick White for 3rd Berkshire
Online or by mail: Patrick Thomas White Committee • 81 Hawthorne St. • Lenox, MA 01240

Getting it done: fair pay and pay equity

Fair pay

As we navigate the challenges of ensuring fair pay and pay equity in our communities, we must take tangible steps to address these issues head-on. I've advocated for and implemented policies recognizing the importance of fair compensation and actively worked towards achieving it for Stockbridge's dedicated employees.

Here's the situation I faced head-on in Stockbridge. The combined inflation rate for the past three years was 16.7%, and Stockbridge's union and non-union staff averaged just 2% in an annual pay increase. Our police and highway unions and non-union town hall staff have seen a decrease in purchasing power of over 10% over the same three years. That was bad for our employees and bad for the town.

I set out to fix it.

  • Upon assuming the Chair of the Stockbridge Select Board, I immediately proposed and successfully implemented a plan to use ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act) funds to give bonuses to town employees outside the normal budget cycle. This initiative helped our essential staff regain some ground they were losing due to inflation.
  • Over the past year, I have successfully advocated for our staff. Now, our union contracts contain a minimum increase based on a critical measure of inflation: the Consumer Price Index. Never again will our employees lose so much over such a short period.
  • I worked with our Town Administrator to ensure our non-union town employees receive the same formula in the town budget as the negotiated deal for the unions.

In addition, I've successfully fixed Stockbridge's pay equity gap.

  • Pay equity has been a long-standing issue, highlighted by the discrepancy in compensation between male-dominated union roles and predominantly female non-union positions. Through persistent and successful advocacy in Stockbridge, I've addressed this inequality, ensuring equal pay for equivalent responsibilities across the board.
  • Additionally, I successfully advocated for established parity in bonuses and incentives for continued education and professional development, recognizing the value of all our employees' contributions to our community.

What goals will I have as your advocate and State Representative:

  • The minimum wage must be adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, protecting the livelihoods of our most vulnerable workers.
  • The vital role of unions in leveling the playing field cannot be overstated. Ensuring that collective bargaining rights are protected and expanded is paramount.
  • Ensuring gender pay equity, particularly for positions with equivalent levels of responsibility, is not just a moral obligation but a necessity for a fair and just society.
  • Fair compensation and its undisputable link to community affordability must be the priority. It is essential to enable our teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses, and town hall staff to afford to live within the communities they serve. Retaining and attracting top talent as current public servants age out is critical.

It's easy to talk about fair pay and pay equity and what a candidate "will" do in the future. Knowing what to do and taking action takes a lot of work, which I have done and continue to do. To understand where I am coming from, read my 2021 accurate prediction on inflation published in The Berkshire Edge.

As your advocate and state representative, I'm committed to turning these goals into concrete policies and actions to benefit the 3rd District. Fair pay and pay equity aren't just buzzwords; they are principles I've actively championed. Together, we can ensure our communities are homes where every worker is valued, respected, and compensated fairly for their contributions.

Real change requires resources. Please support my candidacy if you share my commitment to fair pay and equity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. If you believe, like I do, that we have hope, that we can control our own destiny, that we can move the needle on the seemingly intractable issues we face, please consider donating to my campaign.



Stockbridge Old Town Hall.