To very little fanfare the 111th House of Representatives this week passed a bill that will give women more power to demand and receive equitable pay. H.R. 12 or the Paycheck Fairness Act amends the Fair Labor Standards act of 1938 expanding the abilities of women treated unfairly to pursue damages in court and increases the penalties for companies found in violation of this act. It also has provisions for data collection, grants for training and education in negotiation, and awards for companies actively trying to eliminate the gender pay gap.
HOORAY!!
I know that this probably won't make any noticeable difference to me, or to most of the hardworking women standing side by side with men who earn more, but at least it's something. Hopefully it will hit the lawbooks and women who need it will have recourse against their discriminatory employers. And maybe then, after a couple of companies have paid out large damages, other companies will re-evaluate how they figure compensation to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
Update: This bill was passed by the Senate and is the first bill signed into law by President Obama.
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