Those communiques were issued in e-mails at the firm in response to data published by the union that represents about 1,400 writers, copy editors and customer service representatives employed by Dow Jones in North America. Those published figures indicated that white men at the firm earn significantly more than women or minority employees.
The announcements were issued by Dow Jones CEO William Lewis and The Wall Street Journal editor Gerard Baker. Both men pledged to improve the pay-disparity situation, but provided few details.
In addition to the Journal, Dow Jones also owns financial publication Barron’s and MarketWatch.com. The union, Independent Association of Publishers’ Employees 1096, found through an analysis of compensation data that full-time women employed by Dow Jones make about 87 cents for every dollar earned by full-time men.
Based on weekly pay figures, both white men and white women earn significantly more than their black counterparts. While not unique to Dow Jones among employers of journalists, the move may come not a moment too soon.
At press time, a new Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proposal was up for consideration. It stipulates that companies with 100 or more employees will have to report to the government the salaries they pay women and minorities versus white men–possibly as soon as next year.