Often, we hear the terms equity and equality when at the bargaining table, in the news, and in our everyday lives. Many use these words interchangeably, though they have vastly different meanings and application.
"Equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes.
Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fits."
— Naheed Dosani
Unfortunately, we have sometimes seen the concept of equality and equity misconstrued by PSU Admin, which can have dire consequences for our members when “equal” application of policies is prioritized. It is the goal of this union - and many other unions - to prioritize equitable application of the policies being discussed. Why? Because our members all have different shoe sizes! (See what we did there?)
As many of our members are aware, the topic of remote work has been discussed frequently over the past two years while at the table with PSU Admin. We are not asking for equal application of remote work scheduling. We want the administration to use an equity lens and take into consideration the individual needs of our members (i.e. folx with children who cannot be immunized, whose children have lost access to daycare, those with immunocompromised family members, etc.) when responding to a remote work request.
This is a key priority for PSU-AAUP and it will continue to be so into the future.