Politics

On the Anniversary of Equal Pay Act

By Speaker Pelosi

Exactly 45 years ago today, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, recognizing that the right to equal pay for equal work is a fundamental value.

The Equal Pay Act was a first step in addressing the disparity between what women and men earn, but it must not be the last. Women still earn 77 cents for every dollar men make, and the Supreme Court recently ruled to deny a woman redress after the fact in a case of pay discrimination, contrary to the intent of Congress.

As families grapple with the difficulties of gas prices, food prices, and the credit crisis, equal pay for equal work is an economic issue for millions. When a woman is not paid fairly, her entire family suffers. And when a woman is not paid fairly, it does not afford women the respect and equality that they deserve in a country that promises to strive for equal opportunity.

That is why Democrats in Congress are working to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, to strengthen the Equal Pay Act to provide more effective remedies to women who are not being paid equal wages for doing equal work. On the anniversary of this crucial legislation becoming law, let us commit to finishing the efforts begun 45 years ago.

Full post as published by The Gavel on June 10, 2008 (boomark / email).