Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President, Remarks on Equal Pay Day

March 12, 2024 April 3, 2024

Editorial Staff

TL/DR -

AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, in observance of Equal Pay Day, emphasized the persistent gender wage gap, stating that it has largely remained unchanged for the past 20 years due to resistance from large corporations, the wealthy, and many Republicans. She highlighted the importance of unions in closing the wage gap, with women in unions earning 22% more than non-union women, and for women of color, the wage gap nearly disappears with a union contract. Additional data shows that full-time working women earn 84 cents for every dollar earned by a man, this number drops to 78 cents when part-time or seasonal jobs are included, women make up two-thirds of the workforce in the 40 lowest-paying jobs, and a woman would lose $399,600 over a 40-year career due to the wage gap.

Equal Pay Day 2024 Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler

On Equal Pay Day 2024, marking the additional time a woman has to work to match a man's earnings from 2023, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler highlights the continuous discrimination experienced by working women. She criticizes big corporations, the wealthy, and many Republicans for resisting change in the stagnant gender wage gap over the past two decades. However, she also expresses optimism over a growing wave of activism and labor unions' pivotal role in addressing wage disparity.

Unions are indispensable in remedying the wage gap, with unionized women earning 22% more than their non-union counterparts. For women of color, union contracts close the wage disparity almost entirely. Beyond salary, union contracts safeguard against harassment, discrimination, and other workplace abuses, while also ensuring health policies, paid leave, and retirement protections.

Shuler affirms the labor movement's commitment to eliminating the gender pay gap. Advocacy for pay transparency policies, strengthening anti-discrimination laws, and fair wages for all are essential. Unions, currently enjoying heightened popularity, are crucial in challenging gender stereotypes, promoting job equality, and ensuring economic justice for women. The call for equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace is echoed in solidarity with women globally.

Additional Information:

Full-time working women earn 84 cents for every dollar earned by a man; considering part-time or seasonal jobs, this drops to 78 cents.

Asian American women earn 93 cents (full-time) and 80 cents (including part-time and seasonal jobs) for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic White men.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women earn 66 cents (full-time) and 60 cents (including part-time and seasonal jobs) against every dollar earned by non-Hispanic White men.

Working moms make 74 cents (full-time) and 62 cents (including part-time and seasonal jobs) for every dollar earned by dads.

Latinas earn 57 cents (full-time) and 52 cents (including part-time and seasonal jobs) for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic White men.

Black women make 69 cents (full-time) and 66 cents (including part-time and seasonal jobs) for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic White men.

Women constitute just under half of the US workforce, representing two-thirds of the 40 lowest-paying jobs and experience higher poverty rates than men.

Based on the current wage gap, a woman could lose $399,600 over a 40-year career, severely impacting her ability to support her family and save for retirement.