Support Pay Equality for Women

I received this email today from the National Association of Social Workers. It concerns upcoming legislation regarding women and the workplace.

Lilly Ledbetter, who was receiving less compensation than her male counterparts during her two decades long career at Goodyear, decided to sue them. The case went all the way to the supreme court where in a 5 to 4 decision, they ruled she had waited to long to file her lawsuit. This despite the fact she had been a loyal employee who was unaware she was being underpaid. This is important legislation that needs to be enacted.

Government Relations Action Alert
January 08, 2009

Ask your Representative to Support Pay Equality for Women

Background

Congress will be considering two vital pieces of legislation that would help diminish the income disparity which prevails between men and women in the workplace. Two germane bills, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R.11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12), will be among the initial votes considered by the 111th Congress. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R.11) would unequivocally reverse a Supreme Court decision that acutely limits women workers’ capacity to sue for wage discrimination. Whereas, the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12) increases penalties and liabilities for violating the anti-discrimination policies established under the Equal Pay Act. In addition, to the existing penalties, women who are discriminated against can seek punitive damages from their employers if they are able to legitimate their claim of discrimination. Moreover, a new program would be created that would strengthen women’s negotiation skills to allow them to obtain higher salaries and appreciable compensation packages for themselves. H.R.11 as well as H.R.12 resolve loopholes within the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and prevent retaliation against workers who disclose the amount of their wages. NASW believes that the impact of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act would aid millions of working women and their families during our present economic recession.

Action Required

NASW steadfastly supports both pay equality initiatives. To this end, an unwavering goal of social work is to engender a society in which there is equality in opportunity and access to resources, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, or any other factor used to discriminate against people. Both H.R.11 and H.R.12 earnestly indicate that Congress is ready to move towards the ideal of fairness in pay for women across America. NASW will consistently advocate for the alleviation of the persistent wage gap that leaves women earning 77 cents on average for every dollar earned by men. The Association affirms that the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R.11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12) are imperative remedies which seek to redress not only pay disparity, but also other types of discriminatory actions that impact the lives of working women. Please call the Capitol Switchboard at (202-224-3121) or click on the Take Action link to enter your zip code and find your Congressman’s direct line to contact your Representative and urge them to support the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R.11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12). A vote could occur by January 9, 2009. It is our assertion that these measures are vital to the welfare of women and our nation.

Contact: Lawrence Moore, III at (202) 336-8289

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