I'D LOVE TO SEE WOMEN WALK THROUGH THESE DOORS !

Here are some typical jobs for which men receive no pay. I'm sure you can add a few more to the list. I've purposely left off housework and parenting tasks that most men also help with. The hours I've claimed represent a minimum :

GARDENER

Duties include weekly mowing of lawn and attendant removal of animal waste, maintenance of all types of ornamentals and seasonal vegetable garden, maintenance of drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, special knowledge regarding handling and storage of fertilizers and pesticides, knowledge of botany preferred. In winter, duties include shovelling of snow. No extra hazardous duty pay.

20 hours per month - going rate $10/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $200

UNSKILLED LABORER

Duties include lifting and carrying heavy weights on demand, such as 50 lb. sacks of dog food, installing and uninstalling Christmas tree, retrieving items from high shelves, rafters, and attics, carrying 40 pound children on shoulders up to one mile, cleaning and organizing garage area. Must have own ladder.

5 hours/month - going rate $10/hr - MONTHLY VALUE: $50

PLUMBER

Duties include miscellaneous plumbing repair and replacement/installation of fixtures, removal of large dead appliances and installation of new ones, clearing of clogged drains containing raw sewage. Must be on call 24 hours a day.

2 hours/month average - going rate $50/hour (- no pay for on call status) - MONTHLY VALUE: $100

GENERAL REPAIRPERSON

Duties include inspection and maintenance of roofing system, inspection, maintenance and repair of downspouts and underground drainage systems, inspection, maintenance and repair of fencing, must be able to assemble children's bicycles, toys, dollhouses. Working knowledge of Japanese helpful.

10 hours/month  - going rate $15/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $150

PAINTER

Must have working knowledge of interior and exterior painting protocols, as well as furniture painting procedures. Artistic background helpful.

2 hours/month/average - going rate $12.50/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $25

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

Must be able to program VCR, wire up stereo and speakers to TV set, perform multiple small appliance repair, troubleshoot computer system, recharge and install over 40 different types of batteries. Working knowledge of electronic security systems helpful.

average 2 hours/month - going rate $50/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $100

AUTO MECHANIC'S ASSISTANT

Duties include changing oil, proper recycling of used oil, changing flat tires, washing and detailing two cars [may require removal of baby vomit from car stereo speakers]

5 hours/month - going rate $10/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $50

BOOKEEPER

(admittedly in many families this function is performed by the wife - but it is probably just as often performed by the husband) - Duties include handling of accounts receivable and payable, computer knowledge required.

8 hours/month minimum - going rate $15/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $120

CARPENTER

Duties include repair of children's toys, repair of household furniture, furniture stripping and refinishing, furniture building, shelf building and installation, construction of miscellaneous animal cages, trellises, planter boxes, Must provide and maintain own tools and equipment.

5 hours/month - going rate $22.50/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $112.50

SECURITY GUARD/BODY GUARD

Job primarily consists of responding to false alarms. However, applicants must also be prepared to confront real burglers, other miscellaneous intruders, irate neighbors, used car salesmen, and persistent telephone solicitors. Working knowledge of locks and lock replacement for windows and doors helpful. Must provide own flashlight, weapon of choice. Must be on call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. No extra pay for on call status. No pay for false alarms.

average 2 hours per month - going rate $10/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $20

PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN

Duties include setting, maintenance, and emptying of all types of traps for vermin, including rats, mice, ants, snails, and wasps. Must have knowledge of and be willing to handle all types of pesticides. Must be willing to approach and remove wasps' and hornets' nests. Must be capable of capturing, killing and removing live mice, rats, venomous spiders and snakes.

average 2 hours per month - going rate $15/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $30

HVAC TECHNICIAN/LABORER

Duties include lighting of pilot lights in stoves, water heaters, and furnaces and troubleshooting same. Cleaning of ductwork, maintenance and replacement of air filters and sacrificial anodes. Seasonal lighting and maintenance of fireplace for appearance and warmth. Must be able to handle and maintain chainsaw for firewood. Working knowledge of forestry and chimney maintenance helpful. Heavy lifting required. Must have own chain saw.

average 4 hours per month - going rate $10/hour - MONTHLY VALUE: $40

OUTDOOR GRILL CHEF

Seasonal employment. Duties include outdoor barbequeing of meat and vegetables, preparation and application of special sauces. Must never overcook red meat. X-ray vision a plus. Must additionally maintain equipment and adjacent patio area in presentable appearance at all times.

average 5 hours per/month (considering seasonal nature of job) - going rate $10/hour - MONTHLY VALUE $50

Total monthly unpaid value: $927.50

Thanks to Robin Welch of The American Coalition for Fathers and Children for sending us this. Written in response to NOW's claims that women's unwaged work should somehow be compensated.