Over 50 Years Later, Equal Work STILL Deserves Equal Pay
On June 10, 1963 the Equal Pay Act was passed, addressing wage discrimination based on gender. Over fifty years later, equal pay is the law of the land yet a woman makes only 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. The numbers are even more dismal for women of color. On average, women lose more than $11,000 a year due to the gender wage gap. Women’s wages are important to families—more women than ever are primary earners for their households—and those missing wages could pay the mortgage, buy groceries, fill the gas tank, and even put kids through school.
The Paycheck Fairness Act would improve the Equal Pay Act by:
- Allowing workers to discuss wages
- Prohibiting employers from screening applicants based on their wage history
- Strengthening penalties for equal pay violations
- Empowering women to negotiate for equal pay
- Strengthening education and enforcement efforts
- Creating stronger incentives for employers to follow the law
