Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Women continue to earn less than men for the same work, which shortchanges families by thousands of dollars each year. Fortunately, the Paycheck Fairness Act will help end the wage gap, once and for all.
Sen. Olympia Snowe and Sen. Susan Collins are wrong to suggest that the bill should concern small business, as indicated in recent radio and news reports. In fact, it has important safeguards for small business. First, it includes an exemption for small businesses that make less than $500,000 in annual revenues a year.
Moreover, it would not go into effect for six months after enactment, giving the U.S. Department of Labor time to educate the business community about the law and assist them with compliance.
Importantly, the bill also recognizes employers for excellence in their pay practices and strengthens federal assistance to all businesses to help improve practices. Finally, it implements a training program to empower women to negotiate for fair pay.
Most important to small businesses and the people who work in them, the bill levels the playing field by insisting that no one can inflate their bottom lines by discriminating.
Discrimination is unfair and unjust, and it harms not only women but the households that depend on women’s income.
It’s time for Snowe and Collins to stand up for women workers and help pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Laura Harper
Director of Public Policy
Maine Women’s Lobby
Augusta
Copyright ©2012 MaineToday Media, Inc.
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