Equal Rights

This fictional story was written for Fandango’s Story Starter.

If I told him once, I told him a thousand times that he’d be making a grave mistake if he were to underestimate my ability. My job, and I deserve equal pay. Yet, he sits in his leather, office chair, and looks at me with distain.

‘A pay rise? You don’t realise we are in a recession.’

I push my body as close to his desk as I can. ‘Do you realise I know how much Steve earns. He told me in the pub last week. We do the same job, the same hours and I deserve the same pay.’

‘He’s been here longer.’

‘That doesn’t matter – we do the same job! I’m only asking for what I deserve.’

‘Clara, you haven’t been here long, it is easy enough to replace you.’

My eyes narrow, and I take out the letter from my jacket pocket. I didn’t want to leave, but I’m not going to be taken for granted any longer. It was an old boy’s network in my firm, but I got most of the clients.

Going out on my own, and I would be able to take them with me.

‘But it won’t be easy to replace the customers I bring in. They’re really happy with my work, and I have already got their assurance they will transfer their accounts to me. I wanted to give you a chance, but it looks like you are too stupid to realise my potential.’

I pass the letter over, and before he has a chance to speak, walk out the door. It is all about respect, and if a woman does the same job, she deserves the same pay. Why is it we are afraid to ask?

Today I stood up for all women everywhere.