commemorating the 15th anniversary of the lilly ledbetter fair pay act

Washington DC- In commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Paycheck Fairness Act, on January 29th, we remember not only the progress made but also the critical steps that lie ahead for a better, more inclusive, equitable and fair workplace for all workers, especially for women.

The Paycheck Fairness Act serves as an important tool in our pursuit of workplace equality, addressing pervasive pay gaps and challenging discrimination. Emphasizing its significance, we reflect on the enduring legacy of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, recognizing its crucial role in this legislation.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rectified a harmful Supreme Court decision, ensuring that individuals subjected to unlawful compensation discrimination can assert their rights effectively. For LCLAA, deeply embedded in the labor movement and committed to upholding the rights of Latino/as workers, this legislation marked a milestone. It reinforced the principle that every worker, regardless of gender or ethnicity, deserves equal pay for equal work.

Statistics speaks volume. The gender pay gap in the United States reveals that on average Black women are paid 64 cents, Latinas 52 cents, and AANHPI women 80 cents for every dollar paid to a white, non-Hispanic man for all earners, working full time and year round.The economic impact of these pay gaps is profound, affecting women's ability to meet basic needs, plan for emergencies, save for retirement, and receive equitable Social Security, pension benefits, and achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

The Paycheck Fairness Act allows us to address these disparities head-on, offering robust protection against sex-based pay discrimination. It prohibits retaliation against workers discussing wages, closes loopholes allowing unjust wage differentials, and ensures remedies on par with those available for discrimination based on race and ethnicity.

On the 15th anniversary of the Paycheck Fairness Act, we invite you to continue to stand in solidarity with our organization and the broader labor movement, and actively support this legislation, reaffirming your commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and dignity for all workers. Read more about the Paycheck Fairness Act here.