BPW president åçnotes coming of equal pay day

Dear Editor,

According to the latest US Census statistics, on average, full-time working women earned 77 cents to every dollar earned by men.  It’s hard to believe that in 2011, when women make up half of the work force, they earn 23 percent less than their male counterparts.

Over a lifetime this loss of earnings adds up.  On average, women lose out on $9,565 per year and $434,000 in a lifetime due to the wage gap.  In a bad economy I am extremely concerned about pay equity for women.

To recognize this persistent gap, on Tuesday, April 12, Business and Professional Women of Red Oak will celebrate Equal Pay Day – the point in the year when a woman’s wages catch up to a man’s wages in the previous year.  As working women we know that eliminating the wage gap is good for families and business, which is why Equal Pay Day is recognized every year.

An important way to address pay equity is through federal legislation.  The Paycheck Fairness Act will strengthen the Equal Pay Act by closing loopholes and strengthening penalties to guarantee that women workers are not shortchanged solely because of their gender.  Unfortunately the 111th Congress was not able to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, however it came very close.  We must see this bill passed in the current Congress.

Here in Red Oak and Montgomery County we will join hundreds of working women advocates across the country to educate women and men about pay inequity and demand passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Sincerely,
Kristie Konz
BPW Red Oak