Equal Pay

The Problem

Yes, even in 2014, women systemically earn less than men for the same work. It is estimated today that on average, women make just 77 cents on the dollar compared to what men make. For women of color it’s even worse — African American women earn 69 cents on the dollar, and Latinas earn just 58 cents on that dollar. Even at the same job, with the same experience, and the same education, 40% of women earn less than their male counterparts. With more dual-income households than ever before, and more sole women breadwinners than ever before, when women workers get shortchanged their entire family and the American economy gets held back.

The Solution

We must close this systemic wage gap and treat women fairly by strengthening equal pay protections in the workplace and giving women the tools to fight for equal pay for equal work. To create a growing economy and a thriving middle class – one place to start is to simply pay women a dollar on the dollar with their male colleagues. If women earned equal pay, America’s GDP could grow by as much as 4 percent. It is time for Congress to finally pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would fulfill the promise of the Equal Pay Act by closing loopholes that perpetuate wage discrimination, hold large corporations accountable for unjust wage practices, and empower working women to be appropriately and accurately compensated for their work.

Opportunity Points

• According to U.S. Census data, women made just 77 cents on the dollar compared to men in 2012.
• Single women make just 57 cents on the dollar compared to what married men earn. Mothers earn about 7 percent less per child than childless women
• Much of the wage gap is due to the failure of our social institutions to adjust to reflect the reality of today’s families.