(a)   The Employer and the Union have been pledged and continue to be pledged, to policies of employing personnel, dealing with employees, or members, on the basis of ability, qualification, job content and performance, with no distinction in assignment, training, promotion, layoff, compensation or conditions of employment, because of race, creed, age, color, religion, sex, or national origin, handicap, veteran status, or sexual orientation.  The parties will continue to observe non-discriminatory practices in the application and administration of the provisions of this Agreement.

(b)   Any employee, regardless of sex and regardless of job title, who actually performs the duties and responsibilities of any job or classification of work covered by this Agreement, shall be paid not less than the minimum contract rate of pay for such job or classification of work.