Saunders calls Paycheck Fairness Act key to fixing ‘one of the nation’s most profound economic injustices’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement on the introduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act: 

“The gender pay gap remains one of the nation’s most profound economic injustices. It’s unconscionable that women who work full time, year-round still earn just 82 cents for every dollar a man makes for doing the same work. The fact that the gap is even larger for women of color makes the case for action even more pressing. 

“The Paycheck Fairness Act, introduced by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro in conjunction with tomorrow’s 12th anniversary of the signing of the landmark Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, would take bold steps toward eradicating pay discrimination, creating greater economic security for millions of families. Among other things, the legislation would prohibit employers from retaliating against workers for discussing their wages and limit the use of applicants’ salary histories in the hiring process. 

“Women are the pillars of the American labor force, and they have borne the brunt of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is long past time that we change the law to ensure they receive the pay they deserve for the important work they do.”