Onward and Upward
by Amanda Montei

In this historic election, women have received more attention than ever, and the concept of “Equal Pay for Equal Work” has recently taken center stage.  Women are still paid 77 cents to the dollar when compared with men, despite the Equal Pay Act of 1963 which makes pay discrimination illegal.  Both candidates support Equal Pay, but they have two very different takes on how to accomplish it.

Most of the current debates on this issue swirl around an unassuming Alabama woman. When Lilly Ledbetter received an anonymous note explaining that her male counterparts were making almost double what she was making, she began a case that has sparked the latest Equal Pay for Equal Work debate.  Ledbetter worked as a supervisor at a Goodyear plant in Alabama for 19 years and when she discovered the pay inequity, she considered “moving on” but ultimately “couldn’t ignore the discrimination” so she filed suit.  She won her case, thanks to the Equal Pay Act of 1963, but Goodyear appealed and the case went to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 against Ledbetter, which reversed the lower court’s decision.  Those who ruled against Ledbetter cited a limitation that says women must file complaints within 180 days of the offense.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who ruled in favor of Ledbetter, claimed that this was impractical since salaries are often kept confidential under the threat of termination.

The federal government is now faced with the question of how we should move forward and, naturally, the candidates have been pressed about their opinions on the issue.  Many argue, McCain among them, that eliminating the 180 day limitation would lead to more frivolous lawsuits and stuff the pockets of trial lawyers.  He proposes “more education and training [for women] particularly since more and more women are heads of their households.”  As for the issue of keeping salaries confidential, the McCain camp believes it should remain in an effort to reduce government involvement in business decisions and infrastructure.  McCain also believes that using governmental force to encourage equal pay might increase product prices.

Obama, however, sponsored the Fair Pay Restoration Act with Hillary Clinton, which would have changed the 180-day limitation.  McCain was not present during the Senate vote on this act, but openly opposes it.  The act didn’t pass through the Senate but Obama maintains his position.  He calls the 180-day limit for filing a complaint a “loophole” and is against punishing workers for discussing their salaries.

It’s no longer a secret that women are still fighting for equal pay.  During this election, as both sides equally push the platform of “Change,” the national consciousness is beginning to focus on women’s oppression.  Whatever vein you believe our candidates should follow, the most important part of the debate is the goal, and keeping that goal in the public eye.  Let’s not let this drop out of the limelight!  Let the candidates and your local politicians know what you think.  It’s a google search away!  They are, after all, fighting for your vote.

2008 election, clinton, equal pay, lilly ledbetter, mccain, obama