Huge Win to Fight Employment Discrimination

Statement by Page S. Gardner, president, Women’s Voices. Women Vote Action Fund, on the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Act:

“The Lilly Ledbetter Act being signed into law today is a tremendous victory in providing equality for our nation’s women, especially those who are supporting families.

“Passage of the Lilly Ledbetter legislation brings us that much closer toward pay equality for unmarried women, who are supporting themselves and often their children on earnings that are only 56 percent of what married men earn. Victims of pay discrimination rarely realize any form of discrimination has occurred until after pay decisions are made. Many employers prohibit employees from discussing their pay with one another, leaving most workers in the dark about what their co-workers earn.

“Now, women will enjoy the same pay for the same work, and this will provide them the tools to fight against discriminatory actions in the workplace. By making Lilly Ledbetter the law of the land, this is a giant step in paving the way for all women to enjoy the dignity of equality.

“Congress must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and barring retaliation against workers who disclose their wages. Over time, courts have severely limited women’s rights under the Equal Pay Act of 1963, allowing employers to escape liability for paying men more than women doing equal work. We must finally give all women a fair chance to be paid what they deserve.”

The Women’s Voices. Women Vote Action Fund informs and mobilizes unmarried women to participate in our government and make their voices heard in our democracy. Women’s Voices. Women Vote Action Fund is a nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization. Visit our website at www.wvwvaf.org