April 8th, the day that white women must work to earn what white men earned in 2013,was months ago, but, it was only this past week that the day in the year of which represents how far into 2014 African American women must work passed. In terms of equal pay, social security and pregnancy discrimination it doesn’t matter what day of the year it is, we still have a list of things fight for. Read below for this week’s highlights as well as sign up for Economic Equity News to be sent directly to your inbox.
1. EEOC to employers: Stop discriminating against pregnant workers
Washington Post- For the first time in more than 30 years, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued new guidelines to make clear to employers that refusing to give reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers is illegal under federal law. The new guidelines say pregnancy-related conditions can now be considered disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which entitles workers to accommodations at work. Lactation, a controversial and disputed matter in the courts, is now considered a medical condition. And a pregnant worker is now entitled to receive reasonable accommodations, like light duty work, even if she hasn’t been injured on the job, which is at the heart of the Young case.
2. Equal Pay for Women Would Mean a More Secure Retirement for All
Truth Out- The link is simple and clear: Women earn less than men in the workplace – almost $450 billion less in total each year nationwide – resulting in lower Social Security payments after retirement. The pay discrimination against women not only hurts their current well-being and future security, but also means tens of billions less in revenues to fund Social Security.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Social Security Works co-hosted a telephone press conference call today, releasing SSW’s research on how closing the gender pay gap can improve women’s Social Security benefits and strengthen the program’s finances. The conversation was also joined by Ben Veghte, Research Director at Social Security Works, and Stephanie Connolly, legislative and policy associate at Social Security Works.
3. #BlackWomenEqualPay: African American Women Disproportionately Suffer From the Wage Gap
Huffington Post- On July 16, 9to5 joined partner organizations to recognize African American Women’s Equal Pay Day. This day represents how far into 2014 African American women must work to earn what white men earned in 2013 alone.
While we have always recognized the pay gap discrepancies for women of color, today African American Women’s Equal Pay Day is acknowledged on its own.
Women of color are overrepresented in undervalued and underpaid occupations like child care, home health care, and the restaurant industry. Many working women are penalized financially for care giving because they lack access to basic policies like paid sick days and family leave.
VIEW NWLC’s Fact Sheet on Equal Pay for African American Women
4. It Will Take 75 Years for Women to Achieve Equal Pay
Time- Women still have a ways to go until they’re paid the same as men. According to a new report released today by Oxfam, the gender pay gap will likely close in 75 years, as long as it continues to melt away at its current rate.
5. Aiming at Glass Ceiling, but Not With Her Jump Shot
New York Times- Natalie Nakase, the Clippers’ assistant video coordinator, is trying to earn credibility in the coaching profession the same way: by proving her worth. She landed a spot as an assistant coach on the Clippers’ bench during the two-week N.B.A. Summer League here, a first according to the Clippers and a step toward her goal of becoming an N.B.A. coach — something no woman has ever accomplished.