DEAR ABBY: When you answered the letter from "Homemaker Wannabe," you noted that employers are beginning to offer flexible schedules to working women.
The Labor Department actively encourages employers to set up such programs. The "Working Women Count Honor Roll" recognizes employers (with a certificate signed by the labor secretary) who make life easier for their female employees through programs that compensate women fairly, make the workplace family-friendly, and value the work that women do.
Think of the difference in working women's lives if every employer in the country pledged to start one program. Programs can range from elaborate (such as in-house day-care centers) to simple (allowing employees four hours off per year to attend school functions). And, of course, programs that help women also help men.
Interested employers and employees can contact the Labor Department at 1-800-827-5335 for a brochure explaining the Working Women Count Honor Roll and a pledge card. -- MARION HANSEN, PORTLAND, ORE.
DEAR MARION HANSEN: Thank you for an informative letter and for sending me the brochure, which points out that the explosion in the number of working women is one of the defining trends of the 20th century. Today, women make up almost half the entire workforce in the United States. A recent study shows that 99 percent of women will work for pay at some time in their lives.
Because of this, the Women's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor invites employers nationwide to join a new initiative recognizing employers, organizations and others who implement policies and practices that value the work women do.
Businesses, unions and non-profit organizations (public and private, local and national) can apply for the Honor Roll if they undertake or have recently started a program or policy that improves the lives of women workers in concrete ways.