July 11, 2007
Support Pay Equality for Women
Background
Congress is currently considering an important legislative proposal that would help diminish the income disparity between men and women in the workforce.
The Paycheck Fairness Act (HR.1338, S.766), introduced by Representative DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Clinton (D-NY), respectively, discourage employers from paying women unequal salaries compared to men and facilitates women’s opportunity to achieve equal pay.
This legislation increases penalties and liabilities for violating the anti-discrimination policies established in the Equal Pay Act. In addition to the already 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 is created to strengthen women’s negotiation skills to allow them to obtain higher salaries and the best compensation packages possible for themselves.
The bill further directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to investigate compensation discrimination and enforce pay equity with provisions for the Secretary to make accurate information on compensation discrimination readily available to the public.
A goal of social work is to create 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. The Paycheck Fairness Act is a sign that Congress is ready to move towards the ideal of fairness in pay for women. It requires bipartisan support and significant external advocacy engendered by the social work community.
Action Needed
Please call the Capitol Switchboard to contact your Representatives and Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to support HR.1338 and S.776, The Paycheck Fairness Act. Let your Members know that you are a constituent and a social worker requesting their support for the allocation of more resources towards enforcing pay equality and preparing the next generation of women for more equitable working conditions.
Contact: Lawrence Moore, III at (202) 336-8289
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