FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT

Comms@equalrights.org  

Statement of Deborah J. Vagins, Director of Equal Pay Today with Equal Rights Advocates on the Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and New White House Pay Equity Policy Announcement:

Today, the White House announced its final rule prohibiting Federal agencies from considering a candidate’s salary history as a factor in setting pay for new Federal civilian employees.  Equal Pay Today, a project of Equal Rights Advocates organized and submitted comments in support of this rule and has been long advocating for such transparency in wages.

This announcement comes on the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and is a fitting next step in the fight for equal pay.

Lilly Ledbetter served as a manager at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant in Gadsden, Alabama, for over nineteen years. After she was slipped an anonymous note, she learned that she had been paid significantly less than her three male colleagues over the course of her career. Ms. Ledbetter filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.

In 2007, Ms. Ledbetter's lawsuit ended with the Supreme Court's ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, which overturned her original jury award of over 3 million dollars. Ignoring the egregious facts in the case, five justices said employees had to file a complaint within six months of an employer’s first decision to discriminate, whether the employee knows about the discrimination or not. 

In dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote that the ruling made no sense in the real world.  Such an absurd decision needed a Congressional response. With the support of advocates nationwide and champions in Congress, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Ac – the first law signed by President Obama – as enacted.  This law restored the law and make clear that workers can challenge every discriminatory paycheck. 

The law was such an important victory for workers and gave employees who were experiencing ongoing pay discrimination their day in court.  However, the law did not give women new tools to combat the wage gap itself.

As announced in Equal Pay Today’s 2023-2024 Policy Agenda, we continue to fight for the state and federal fair pay legislation, like the federal Paycheck Fairness Act, which would provide new tools for workers to get at the causes and impact of pay discrimination. Equal Pay Today has also urged the Administration to take actions that can apply to federal workers and federal contractors, which would provide progress on pay equity for millions of these employees. Today, the Biden Administration announced its final a rule banning the use of salary history when setting wages for federal employees. This is an important step forward because for women and workers of color, if their prior wages have been tainted by discrimination, new salaries can carry forward discrimination in setting new wages based on old pay. We also are continuing to urge the Administration to move forward on a similar rule banning the use of salary history for federal contractors.  This would be critical as many private employers also have federal contracts and millions of employees would be protected.

“On behalf of Equal Pay Today, I am thrilled that the Biden Administration has finalized this rule, which will prevent Federal agencies from considering a candidate’s salary history as a factor in setting pay for new Federal civilian employees. We were please to advocate our membership in support of this rule.  While we continue to fight for the day this is the case for all employees nationwide, but we are grateful to the Administration for advancing commonsense protections that can blunt the impact of having prior discrimination infect the pay for its workforce.  This is such a fitting announcement to make on the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. We commend the Administration for continuing to fulfill the legacy of Ms. Ledbetter in her persistent fight for fair pay for all,” said Deborah J. Vagins, Director of Equal Pay Today, Equal Rights Advocates.

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About Equal Pay Today:

The mission of Equal Pay Today, a project at Equal Rights Advocates, is to eradicate the long-standing gender wage gap impacting the economic security of women, families, and communities of color. Through strategies involving policy reform, litigation, education and outreach, EPT’s innovative collaboration of national, regional, and state-based women's legal advocacy, worker justice groups, and social justice organizations are changing conversations about equal pay at every opportunity.

For Immediate Release
Jan 26, 2024

Media Contact
Jess Eagle
717-574-2702
jeagle@equalrights.org

On 15th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Ledbetter, Government Officials, Advocates Discuss Actions to Close Gender Wage Gaps

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lilly Ledbetter, government officials, and a coalition of advocates for women’s and workers’ rights are commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act on Jan. 29, 2024. The occasion serves as both a celebration of progress and an acknowledgment of the work that remains to address persistent gender pay discrimination.

The first bill President Obama signed into law after taking office, the groundbreaking Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 corrected the Supreme Court decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, which held that employees had to bring pay discrimination cases soon after the employer began to discriminate, whether the employee knew about the discrimination or not. The decision overturned decades of established law that allowed employees to challenge discriminatory paychecks.

Ms. Ledbetter, who served as a manager at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant in Alabama for 19 years, sued for pay discrimination after learning that, over the course of her career, she had been paid significantly less than her male colleagues. While she lost at the Supreme Court, her case and the law that later corrected the Supreme Court decision sparked her ongoing commitment to addressing the gender wage gap.

While restoring the prior law was a major victory for the equal pay movement, the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act did not give women new tools to challenge pay discrimination. Since then, a coalition of 45 organizations across the country known as Equal Pay Today has led campaigns to enact federal and state policies that would help women challenge pay discrimination and close the wage gaps that impact them and their families. Among them is the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that modernizes and updates the Equal Pay Act of 1963, including by protecting workers from retaliation for discussing their pay, banning the use of an applicant’s prior salary history to set their new pay, and codifying pay data collection. 

While Ledbetter and advocates continue to work on federal legislative solutions, they also are urging the Biden Administration to take action, including to finalize a ban on using prior salary history to set wages for federal workers and federal contractors. The proposal would end the practice of using an applicant’s prior pay to set new pay for federal employees and federal contracting applicants — a practice that enables pay discrimination to follow women and people of color from job to job.

Ms. Ledbetter discussed these issues with government officials and advocates in a webinar on Jan. 25. The recording is available here. Press are invited to quote speakers, crediting Equal Pay Today as the webinar host.

 

The following are quotes from Ms. Ledbetter, the Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, and leading fair pay advocates on the anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act:

Lilly Ledbetter, Fair Pay Champion:
“I am excited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act with Equal Pay Today, my champions on the Hill and with the Administration, and so many old friends that worked to support me and this law. But I will not rest until we can enact more policies that give women stronger tools to challenge pay disparities and other forms of employment discrimination. That is why it is so important that Congress pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. Until Congress acts, we hope that the agencies and Biden Administration will start collecting employer pay data again and stop the use of salary history when setting wages for federal workers and federal contractors. If there had been fairness in setting my wages or more transparency in salaries when I worked at Goodyear Tire, I would have been able to take home what I truly earned. We should want that for all workers. Until then, the fight continues.”

Charlotte A. Burrows, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
“On this 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, we join Lilly and other trailblazers in celebrating how far we’ve come in the fight for equal pay and recognizing the work that still needs to be done. The EEOC’s new Strategic Enforcement Plan reaffirms our commitment to using all our tools — including education, outreach, enforcement, and litigation – to combat pay discrimination and advance pay equity for all.”

Jocelyn Samuels, Vice Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
“I’m so gratified to join this celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. As I know from my work with her 15 and more years ago, Lilly is a tenacious and passionate fighter for equal pay and a model for women – and men – across the country.  Her example will continue to inspire as we work to close the wage gap once and for all.”

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut’s 3rd congressional district:
“The mother of the Fair Pay movement, Lilly Ledbetter is the namesake of the Fair Pay Act that Congress passed in 2009, making gender-based pay discrimination unlawful. For decades, Lilly was shortchanged by her employer and paid less than men in the same job. She fought back and took her fight all the way to the Supreme Court. Lilly has shown strength and perseverance in the face of injustice. She is an inspiration to the entire equal pay movement. It is an honor to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Act with her. And it is why I am so proud to be leading the next step in the fight for pay equity—the Paycheck Fairness Act, because equal pay for equal work must be the law of the land. Thank you, Lilly, for leading the way.”

Deborah J. Vagins, Director of Equal Pay Today and National Campaign Director with Equal Rights Advocates:
“I was honored to work on the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act 15 years ago. Lilly has been, and continues to be, a champion for all of us, and I am privileged to call her my friend. Her law was an important victory for workers and gave employees who were experiencing ongoing pay discrimination their day in court. Equal Pay Today is proud to celebrate this anniversary with Lilly, and to stand with her as we continue to fight for new tools that will address and eliminate pay disparities that so deeply impact women workers, particularly women of color, and their families. Equal Pay Today’s Policy Agenda highlights many of the new policies we need to close pay gaps, including bills like the federal Paycheck Fairness Act and executive branch policies like the EEOC’s pay data collection and the Administration’s proposed ban on the use of salary history when setting wages for federal workers and contractors. We are grateful to Lilly for continuing to fight for smart policies like these for the rest of us.”

Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of American Association of University Women (AAUW):
“As we celebrate the anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, AAUW extends our gratitude to Lilly for having the tenacity to pave the way towards reducing pay inequity. AAUW and our members will continue to work with the White House, Congress, and the states to advance policies that address the gender and racial wage gaps.”

Jocelyn C. Frye, President of National Partnership for Women & Families:
“Every person deserves a fair chance to fully participate and thrive in our economy, free from the barriers of discrimination and bias.  Yet too many women — and especially women of color — continue to experience pay disparities, unfair treatment in their employment, and the devaluation of their contributions in the workplace.  I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize the legacy of Lily Ledbetter’s groundbreaking advocacy and to use this anniversary to rededicate ourselves toward enacting strategies that advance pay equity and gender justice.”

Emily Martin, Chief Program Officer of National Women’s Law Center:
“Today we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the critical difference it has made for workers challenging discriminatory pay. Lilly’s story—and the Act that bears her name—highlights the power of transparency and accountability as tools for fighting pay disparities. Combatting pay discrimination and closing the wage gap remain crucial to the economic security of women, and we continue to advocate for additional policy solutions that are needed to achieve equal pay.”

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About Equal Pay Today

The mission of Equal Pay Today, a project at Equal Rights Advocates, is to eradicate the long-standing gender wage gap impacting the economic security of women, families, and communities of color. Through strategies involving policy reform, litigation, education and outreach, EPT’s innovative collaboration of national, regional, and state-based women’s legal advocacy, worker justice groups, and social justice organizations are changing conversations about equal pay at every opportunity.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act at 15 and the Future of Pay Equity
On January 25, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the inaugural legislation signed into law by President Obama in 2009. Our honored guest was none other than the advocate for fair pay herself, Lilly Ledbetter.

Accompanied by EEOC leaders and partners from Equal Pay Today across the nation, we engaged in a compelling dialogue delving into the historical, current, and future aspects of the fair pay movement in the United States. Together, we explored the necessary changes still required to attain equal pay for all women. The anniversary falls on January 29. Check out the video below!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: info@powherny.org 914.329.4046

PowHer Equity Awards Presented to Senator Ramos, Assembly member Joyner, SAG-AFTRA and Empire State Campaign for Child Care

Gender and Racial Justice Groups Call for Bolder Policy Reform in 2024

December 11, 2023 - 4:00PM: The PowHer® New York Network of over 100 gender and racial justice organizations celebrates organizations and individuals who, despite considerable obstacles, advanced issues critical to women’s* economic well-being in New York. The event is held online at 4:00PM to 5:30PM RSVP Link

2023 PowHer® Equity Awardees:

Workers’ Rights Award to SAG-AFTRA - presented by actress Carrie Preston

PowHer® New York honors the strong leadership and the activism of the 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA. We celebrate your hard fight and success in negotiations during the longest strike in the history of your union. With the newly ratified agreement, members will receive unprecedented wage escalation, significantly improved streaming compensation, and the first-ever crucial protections around the use of artificial intelligence technology. This is the result of the tenacity of your membership which gathered across the nation to boldly show the world that actors and industry professionals stand together. SAG-AFTRA illustrates the critical importance of unions to the well-being and advancement of all workers, especially women whose earnings are higher with union membership.

Pay Equity Awards to Senator Jessica Ramos and Assembly member Latoya Joyner - presented by Equal Pay Today!

Senator Jessica Ramos: PowHer®New York commends the tireless efforts of Senator Jessica Ramos, Chair of the Committee on Labor, for her ongoing commitment to changing the laws of New York State to make systemic change that will protect workers, close the gender and racial wage gap and address the undervaluing of the work of women, especially women of color. She sponsored and fought for the NmYS Salary Transparency Law, which went into effect in September of 2023. This transformational law is just one example of her passion for equity and skill in moving difficult legislation through considerable barriers to become law.

Assembly member Latoya Joyner: PowHer®New York honors Assemblymember Latoya Joyner (AD17), Chair of the Committee on Labor, as an outstanding champion on issues ranging from economic equity to domestic violence to education and protection of renters. Her tenacity and leadership were critical to the passage of the New York State Salary Transparency Law which went into effect in September, 2023. This groundbreaking law provides workers across the state with critical information about wages to inform their job searches and career development and helps business efficiently attract and retain talented and qualified employees.

Child Care Award to Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC):

PowHer®New York honors the strategic leadership and long term commitment of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care to build a high quality, affordable, accessible and just child care system for New York. In 2023, its powerful statewide grassroots movement fought successfully for dramatic expansion of the number of families who can qualify for government subsidies for child care, grants to boost compensation for the child care workforce and the continuation of the Governor’s Task Force which is assigned to design a path to universal access to quality affordable child care.

QUOTES:

“In 2023, despite historic pushback on women’s rights, New York made significant gains which Powher® New York is proud to spotlight through our Powher® Equity Awards. The remarkable accomplishments of our child care, pay equity and union rights awardees illustrate that collective action and collaboration can lead to life-changing policies and far-reaching culture shifts. We thank Senator Ramos, Assembly member Joyner, SAG-AFTRA and Empire State Child Care Campaign for their unwavering commitment, vision and partnership. There is so much work ahead, but together our community can build an equitable, just, and inclusive economy that respects the rights of women*, values their contributions, and provides the opportunity to not only survive, but to thrive,” said Beverly Neufeld, President, PowHer®New York.

"So much of my work as Labor Chair has been focused on upending the feminization of poverty, and PowHer®New York has been in that fight every step of the way. Whether it's SAG-AFTRA's historic wins on the picket line or our continued advancements for universal child care, the tide is changing for women in our economy," said State Senator Jessica Ramos.

“Salary transparency helps build trust between employees and employers.” Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner said. “I am proud to continue the fight for salary transparency and other important labor initiatives. Thank you to the Powher®New York for your continued support on this front.”

"SAG-AFTRA is honored to receive the PowHer®New York Equity Award for Advancing Worker Equity for our role in protecting union workers’ rights during the longest strike in our union's history. Unions raise the bar for everyone and help narrow the gender wage gap. We are proud to stand as a role model for all who seek fair pay and protections for workers, SAG-AFTRA Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon

“PowHer®NY’s leadership towards an inclusive, equitable economy for women in New York is an example for us all. We are proud to be honored today, amongst powerful state and movement leaders, for our work towards a system of universal child care where every child gets the best start, every family has the care they need, and every child care provider earns what she deserves, “ said Shanita Bowen, Steering Committee Co-Chair of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, “Since 2017, the tireless work of child care providers, parents, and advocates as part of our Campaign has led to more mothers and families receiving the help they need to afford child care. It has also led to growing recognition that universal child care is only possible when the women who do this work are paid what they deserve. Our movement is growing stronger every year — as we grow in numbers, we grow in our determination to build a thriving child care system together.”

“On behalf of Equal Pay Today, we would like to congratulate the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, Senator Jessica Ramos, Assembly member Latoya Joyner, and SAG-AFTRA on being named this year’s Equity Champions,” said Deborah J. Vagins, Director of Equal Pay Today with Equal Rights Advocates. “As a coalition of local, state, and national organizations and hundreds of activists nationwide committed to addressing all the drivers of pay inequity, Equal Pay Today is honored to work with incredible leaders like PowHer®NY. We applaud PowHer®NY and the legislative Equity Champions in the enactment of the NYS Salary Transparency law, which improves the lives of workers in New York State and helps to drive momentum on pay transparency laws in states across the country and at the federal level,” said Vagins.

“Legal Momentum honors the groundbreaking contributions of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, Senator Jessica Ramos, Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, and SAG-AFTRA. Together, your work has meaningfully set new expectations for what we must achieve on childcare; broken down a significant barrier to pay equity by securing unprecedented pay transparency with national impact; and demonstrated on a global scale the power of workers when they act collectively. We are also overwhelmingly grateful to PowHer®New York for the invaluable role it continues to play in both leading and uplifting this vital work to increase economic security for the women of New York,” said Seher Khawaja, Director of Economic Justice & Deputy Legal Director, Legal Momentum.

PowHer®New York (PowHer®NY) is a statewide network of 100+ organizations committed to securing economic equality for all New York women. Our unique model for collective action brings together diverse groups across issue areas, backgrounds, political parties and locales that work together on a shared agenda. Through intersectional collaborations, we educate about gender inequality, achieve policy reform, foster women’s leadership and convene innovators. PowHer New York is a 501c3 organization.

*Note: When PowHer®New York uses the word women, we unequivocally mean cis and trans women, and we are inclusive of all other gender-oppressed individuals, including non-binary and gender-expansive people.

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Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, Nov. 30, Highlights Wage Gaps for Native American Women

November 27. 2023

For Immediate Release
Nov 27, 2023

Media Contact
Jess Eagle
717-574-2702
jeagle@equalrights.org

Pay gaps for Native American women remain shockingly low and stagnant

SAN FRANCISCO — Equality advocates across the country will recognize Native Women’s Equal Pay Day on Nov. 30, 2023, highlighting income and wealth disparities Native American Women face and policy solutions to close the wage gap.

Native American Women working full-time year-round are, on average, paid 59 cents per dollar paid to the average non-Hispanic white man, according to the latest Census Bureau data. When considering all earners — including those working part-time jobs, part-year, or seasonal work — the wage gap is greater, at 55 cents, one of the worst income disparities in the United States. If you break it down by Tribal nation, some Native American women are paid even less.

Native Women’s Equal Pay Day is led by the Equal Pay Today campaign — a project of Equal Rights Advocates, in collaboration with 45 women’s, civil, and workers’ rights organizations and hundreds of activists across the country. The event is being led by Return to the Heart Foundation, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, Protect the Sacred, and Native Women Lead.

The groups are raising awareness about the fact that, due to the long-lasting and devastating impacts of colonialism, genocide, and state-sanctioned violence, Native Women continue to face high rates of poverty, unemployment, and violence. Recent data shows that the majority of Native American mothers are breadwinners for their families; yet with Native women earning about half the amount of non-Hispanic white men, it makes long-term economic security difficult for many families.

Advocates say work toward economic and workplace equality for Native women must involve following the leadership of Native communities, respecting their sovereignty, traditions, and cultural practices, and prioritizing legislation supporting equal pay and paid leave.

“CSVANW recognizes how important it is to uplift the national Native Women’s Equal Pay campaign as 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaskan Native women will be impacted by domestic violence,” said Tiffany Jiron, Interim Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. “Many survivors of violence are the life givers, caretakers, and teachers of future generations. Our women and our communities deserve equality!”

“Inequality did not just happen, we were targeted for our land and its resources. Now here we are today fighting for equal pay as one of the many inequalities we face. It’s time for America to fully embrace its values and walk the walk on concepts including all (people) are created equal and strive for liberty and justice for all. Truly making efforts to close gaps on inequality will bring healing to our Nation,” said Gina Jackson (Western Shoshone & Oglala Lakota), Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Return to the Heart Foundation.

“We are honored to work with these inspiring leaders to lift up the grave inequities that Native Women face and to work together to advocate for important policy changes,” said Deborah J. Vagins, National Campaign Director & Director of Equal Pay Today with Equal Rights Advocates. “It is outrageous that, on average, Native Women make little more than half of what non-Hispanic, white men take home. The systemic change we call for must address the long-standing impacts of policies that have undermined Native communities’ sovereignty, safety, and economic security.”

“Native women’s leadership keeps our families, communities and nations alive and thriving,” said Vernelle Chase (enrolled Gros-Ventre, Assiniboine and Mandan Descendent) Interim Director and Board chair at Native Women Lead. “At Native Women Lead, we revolutionize outdated systems and inspire innovation by investing in Native women entrepreneurs and leaders. Native women have always led the way, stepping into their responsibility to honor their past, present, and future ancestors through their everyday work. And now more than ever, it is time to recognize Native women’s tireless efforts with equal pay.”

The groups will lead a national social media storm on Native Women’s Equal Pay Day on Nov. 30 at 11:00 am PT/2:00 pm ET to raise awareness about pay disparities and policy solutions.

Before the social media storm, media are invited to attend a webinar, “The Power of Pay Equity: Investing in Native Women,” featuring experts Return to the Heart Foundation and Protect the Sacred on Nov. 28 at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET. Register for free at bit.ly/NWEPD_webinar2023

Experts from the above organizations are available for interviews. To request an interview email comms@equalrights.org


For Immediate Release
Sep 15, 2023

Media Contact
Nazirah Ahmad
704-290-6869
ERA@emccommunications.com

Readout of Gender Justice Advocates’ Meeting with the Biden Administration on Closing the Wage and Wealth Gap for Black Women


On Friday, September 15, 2023, gender and racial justice experts convened at the White House to address the critical issue of closing the wage and wealth gap for Black women. The meeting was a pivotal step toward discussing strategies to achieve gender and racial pay equity. The discussions were framed within the context of the 60th Anniversary of both the Equal Pay Act and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, underscoring the intersectionality of the challenges Black women face.

Recent Census data released earlier this week reveals that Black women working full time, year round, are paid 69 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. When part-time, part-year, and seasonal workers are included, Black women are paid 66 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. Black women also make less than both White women and Black men, underscoring the double-bind of both race and gender. This wage gap results in the average Black woman losing nearly $1 million over the course of a 40-year career—highlighting the urgent need for action.

The Administration opened the meeting with remarks welcoming and thanking advocates for calling the meeting, acknowledging the critical need to advance pay equity and support efforts to ensure the benefits of the infrastructure and jobs investments are equitably felt by everyone, including Black women.

Contributors to the wage gap were examined, including occupational segregation, lack of access to affordable childcare and paid leave, unfair workplace policies, employment discrimination, and lack of access to capital to start and grow small businesses. Advocates also emphasized the importance of continued efforts to combat employment discrimination – including undertaking robust enforcement strategies to address longstanding pay disparities – with a call to prioritize pushing to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

In addition, advocates proposed a comprehensive approach to focusing on boosting wages, enhancing job opportunities, and fortifying economic security for Black women and their families. This includes universal paid family and medical leave, increased access to affordable childcare, living wages, and ensuring Black women benefit from historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.

Participants committed to continue meeting regularly and to bring leaders from national and state governments and the non-profit, corporate, and community sectors together for continued conversation working toward solutions.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with a shared commitment to work collaboratively on strategies that would not only close the gender wage gap for Black women but also benefit all women and the families that rely on them.

In the spirit of inclusivity, the group asked that efforts be made to incorporate critical voices from various sectors in future discussions about related issues. The group was inspired by the dedication and passion demonstrated by all those present, and looked forward to following progress on gender and racial pay equality efforts from the Biden-Harris Administration.

Advocate attendees:

  • Shavon Arline-Bradley, President and CEO, National Council of Negro Women

  • Melanie Campbell, President and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Convenor, Black Women’s Roundtable

  • Cherita Ellens, President and CEO, Women Employed

  • Noreen Farrell, Executive Director, Equal Rights Advocates/Equal Pay Today

  • Jocelyn Frye, President, National Partnership for Women & Families

  • Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO, National Women’s Law Center

  • Margaret Mitchell, CEO, YWCA USA

  • Cassandra Welchlin, Executive Director, Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable


    White House Attendees

  • Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council

  • Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and Implementation Coordinator

  • Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor


    Staff Attendees

  • Catherine Beane, Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy, YWCA USA

  • Gaylynn Burroughs, Director of Workplace Equality, National Women’s Law Center

  • Joi Chaney, Senior Policy Advisor, Black Women’s Roundtable, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation & Founder, J.O.I. Strategies

  • Melvina Ford, National Legal Director, Equal Rights Advocates

  • Angelo Greco, Senior Communications Advisor, NCBCP

  • Deborah J. Vagins, National Campaign Director & Director of Equal Pay Today, Equal Rights Advocates

  • Azni Kyita Welchlin, Black Youth Vote Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable

  • Robin Jackson, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator of MS Black Women’s Roundtable

  • Portia White, Lead Strategist for Policy and Advocacy, National Council of Negro Women

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CONTACT

Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com
(601) 832-6079


New Census Bureau Numbers Shed Light on Equal Pay Status for Women

The new income data shows equal pay disparities based on race and gender

Sept. 12, 2023—Today, the U.S Census Bureau released new wage data from 2022, which shows the wage gap for women remains pernicious and stagnant. According to the new data, for every $1 a man working full-time year-round is paid, a woman working full-time, year-round typically is paid just 84 cents. When looking at all earners, including part-time, part-year, and seasonal, women, on average, only make 78 cents compared to men. The pay disparity is even more severe for most women of color.

Here is the new breakdown on the pay gaps by race and gender:
*Full time refers to those working full-time year-round jobs
*All earners refers to all workers, including full-time, part-time, part-year and seasonal

All women compared to all men:
Full time: 84 cents
All earners: 78 cents

Black women compared to white, non-Hispanic men
Full time: 69 cents
All earners: 66 cents

Latinas compared to white, non-Hispanic men
Full time: 57 cents
All earners: 52 cents

Asian American women compared to white, non-Hispanic men
Full time: 99 cents
All earners: 89 cents

Note: Data on the pay gaps experienced by Native women is expected to be released later this week. Data on pay variations for the Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) community is expected to be released later this year.

This year marks 10 years of the Equal Pay Today campaign, a national coalition of over 40 nonprofit and advocacy organizations that advocate for pay equity for women and LGBTQIA+ people, especially women of color. Equal Pay Today is a project led by Equal Rights Advocates.

“Each year, these numbers show us the persistence of gender and racial wage gaps that women continue to face,” said Deborah J. Vagins, director of Equal Pay Today campaign, a project at Equal Rights Advocates. “The numbers also show us the critical importance of legislative and executive branch solutions that would help millions of families across the country. Our policymakers have the power to ensure equity for all workers, to combat pay discrimination, and to lift countless families out of poverty by adopting policy solutions that address the key drivers of the wage gaps and ensure women are paid fairly.”

The 2023-2024 Equal Pay Today policy agenda offers solutions to address these pay gaps and promote wage justice. Some recommendations include: implementing transparent pay practices and accountability mechanisms; strengthening current equal pay laws and passing new legislation to increase equity; addressing workplace harassment and the subminimum and tipped wages for vulnerable workers; and supporting paid family leave, paid sick and safe leave, and other workplace protections.

To speak with equal pay experts from Equal Rights Advocates, contact Blake Case at (601) 832-6079 or blake@emccommunications.com

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About Equal Rights Advocates

Equal Rights Advocates fights for gender justice in workplaces and schools across the country. Since 1974, they have been fighting on the front lines of social justice to protect and advance rights and opportunities for women, girls, and people of all gender identities through groundbreaking legal cases and bold legislation that sets the stage for the rest of the nation.