APRIL 5: A special date

Do you know what April 5 is this year? It’s the day that we “celebrate” when the typical woman working full time in Idaho catches up to what a white male was paid for the previous year doing the same job and having the same duties. That’s right, making 74 cents to a man’s dollar means women must work more than three extra months! This is a significant pay gap. Women start out earning less and they never catch up!

In 1963, the Equal Pay Act was passed by Congress, but has not been widely enforced. Now there is the Paycheck Fairness Act awaiting passage in Congress which would help protect everyone in all states, by giving employers stronger incentives to follow the law, enhancing federal enforcement efforts, and prohibiting retaliation against workers asking about wage practices. Until then each state will continue operating under piecemeal laws to combat unequal pay if they even try to do such.

Please urge our Congressmen Labrador and Simpson to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, supporting the effort demanding equal pay NOW!

MARGARET DRUMMOND

American Assn. of Univ. Women

Coolin