The Senate 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 (S.181) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (no bill number assigned), will be among the initial votes considered by the 111th Congress.
On January 9, 2009 the House of Representatives passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R.11) and the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12). The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (S.181) would unequivocally reverse a Supreme Court decision that acutely limits women workers’ capacity to sue for wage discrimination. Whereas, the Paycheck Fairness Act 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. S.181 as well as the Paycheck Fairness Act resolve loopholes within the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and prevents 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 RequiredNASW 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 S.181 and the Paycheck Fairness Act 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 (S.181) and the Paycheck Fairness Act 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. NASW opposes decimating either bill through amendments or eviscerating their original purpose. It is our assertion that these measures are vital to the welfare of women and our nation. A vote could occur soon.
Please call Senator Martinez at 202- 224-3041 or email him at http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm&CFID=3448219&CFTOKEN=60147989 and Senator Nelson at 202-224-5274 or email him at http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm and urge them to support of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (S.181) and the Paycheck Fairness Act.
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