I just got hired permanent full-time in the department I've worked in since April 2007...2.5 years. Sounds great, right?

HR started me at the beginning of the salary scale for my job because according to their employment equity hiring formula, I would need two full years of full-time directly related experience to meet the criteria for the next salary step. I worked in the exact position as a full time casual for 5 months before my permanent hire, at the same desk since January, and my full-time experience there totals 1 year 5 months. I worked there part-time when I wasn't full time, so my total experience is ridiculously close to 2 years full time. Still, they start me at the same level as someone they hired who'd never worked there because of their employment equity program. The job description was even written around the things that I have taken on since I started working there that were not formerly part of the job. Because of this, I take home less money now (with pension and other deductions) than I did as a casual.

I have to thank my direct manager and the director of my department for fighting for me to get the salary I deserve, but it was no use. Employment equity is great if it works for you, but for so many of us, it works against us. Here's to better luck next time, I guess. At least I'm working...gotta think of it that way.