Women's Equal Pay

By Alexandra Janetzke

Equal Pay has been an issue in the United States for many, many years. Since the dawn of time women have faced discrimination in many forms. In today's world women are still facing unequal pay. Women of all race, orientation, and education levels are affected by the wage gap. 

The Research

National Women's Law Center Facts

Women in the US who work full time, year-round are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. For women of color that wage gap is even larger. 

The following is the progress that the United States has made for equal pay.

• Over 55 years have gone by since the Equal Pay Act was passed and since many women have joined the workforce. 
• Black women make 62 cents to the dollar.
• Latina women make 54 cents to the dollar.
• California and New York have the best progress towards closing the wage gap.
• In D.C. women make 88 cents to the dollar.
• Louisana and Wyoming make 69 cents and 70 cents to the dollar.
• There is new legislation in over two-thirds of the states to ensure equal pay.

    The Wage Gap

The wage gap translates to $10,194 less then men each year. There are many factors that affect the wage gap such as who it affects, how and why they are affected, and how the gap can be fixed.

    The Who

• Women of color are paid less that white men.
• Mothers are paid less than fathers.
• Women are affected by the wage gap as soon as they enter work force and the gap expands over their career.
• Older women experience the wage gap in retirement income, due to the gap from their working years.
• Lesbian women make less than men of any sexual orientation.
• Transgender women make less after they transition.
• Women with disabilities also experience a large gap.
• All education levels are affected by the wage gap.
• Nearly every occupation faces the wage gap.

    The How/Why

• Women are paid less for doing the same work.
• The pay secrecy policies help perpetuate disparities.
• The wage gap is over-represented in low-wage jobs, and under-represented in high-wage jobs.
• Women's work is often devalued because a woman do it.
• Caregivers are discriminated against and face many barriers.
• Women in unions experience smaller gaps, but rates of unionization are low.

    What we can do

• Laws can be strengthened.
• We can build ladders by removing barriers to enter into male dominated fields.
• We can lift up wages of women in low-wage jobs, but not include tips as a part of the wage.
• We can increase availability of high-quality, affordable childcare.
• We can also prevent and remedy caregiver discrimination and protect against pregnancy discrimination.
• We can establish fair scheduling.
• We can also provide paid family and medical leave.
• We can ensure access to affordable reproductive.
• We can protect workers ability to join unions and collectively bargin.

    The Raise the Wage Act

Women in low wage jobs needs a raise. The act boosts wages for millions of women. Raising the minimum wage could help close the wage gap. Fifteen dollar minimum wage would reduce poverty and income inequality. 

Viewpoint: U.S. Soccer and it's Women's Team

A federal judge dismissed the case for equal pay for the women's soccer team. It was a 4 year battle that the women's team faced and even longer than that of fighting. They started this fight in the peak of their victory. The women's team claimed two world cups and bonuses. During this time the men's team wasn't doing too well. The vast difference in winnings didn't show the unequal pay between the teams. The women's players are determined to appeal the judges ruling. The U.S. Soccer thought a fair resolution might be a settlement. They now have a female president. The U.S. Soccer and women's team have agreed to a negotiated peace for now.

The Personal Aspect

The issue directly affects because I am a woman. I am entering the corporate workforce in less than a year and the wage gap will directly affect me. I know that I am going into an ineven playing field. I feel like it is my opportunity to help advocate for equal pay. It is important to me that ALL women receive equal pay. Too many years have passed without enough of a step towards equal pay for all.

Sources

Das, Andrew. “Can U.S. Soccer and Its Women's Team Make Peace on Equal Pay?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 May 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/05/02/sports/soccer/uswnt-equal-pay-women-soccer.html. 

“The Raise the Wage Act: Boosting Women's Paychecks and Advancing Equal Pay.” NWLC, 21 July 2020, nwlc.org/resources/the-raise-the-wage-act-boosting-womens-paychecks-and-advancing-equal-pay/.