On 17th Equal Pay Day, Legislators & Coalition Demand Economic Justice for NY Women
Activists Call for Increase in NYS Budget for Care Economy
Contact: Beverly Neufeld, info@powherny.org, 914-329-4046
March 14, 2023: On the 17th Annual New York Equal Pay Day, PowHer New York and the NYC Council Women’s Caucus rallied in-person with advocates and union members to call on New York to continue its fight against gender and racial wage inequality.
City Council members Farias, Louis, de La Rosa and other leaders acknowledged that New York has made progress on direct gender and racial wage discrimination through a decade of legislative reforms including banning salary history and the salary range disclosure laws. Yet, the wage gap remains. Including both full and part-time workers, the average NY woman earns 74 cents to a man’s dollar. That lost revenue accumulates to +$400,000 over a career.
All agreed that more must be done to address root causes of wage inequality: underpaying and devaluing of women’s work. PowHer New York, a network of over 100 gender and racial justice organizations, called for increased commitment to the Care Economy. Specifically, substantial funding in the NYS Budget for universal Child care, Fair Pay for Home Care Workers and raising and indexing the minimum wage.
CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton spotlighted the plight of those employed by NYC government who continue to be paid unfairly for substantially similar work. She underscored the importance of the public sector wage transparency laws which the NYC Council passed that now provide once hidden information about salaries. To advance “equal pay for equal or substantially similar work,” advocates called for legislation to help private companies comply with current laws by reporting equal pay data.
“To get serious about the pay gap, we must address root causes: historic job segregation and the devaluation of women’s work. Meaningful budget investment in the Care Economy is an essential remedy,” said Beverly Neufeld, President, PowHer New York. “As well, we need to expand salary transparency and data analysis which NYC instituted for the public sector. Similar legislation for private companies will encourage businesses to scrutinize and change their pay practices and help the government achieve the goal of equal pay for the same work..”
A concurrent statewide virtual rally brought these issues online. Statements by Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, elected leaders and advocates acknowledged progress on equal pay, the need to value and pay women fairly, and the promise to continue the fight. (See quotes below)
QUOTES: NYS OFFICIALS
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “On Equal Pay Day, we are sending a clear message to women of today and the future: Your work matters. In New York State, we are making strides toward establishing pay equity — enacting salary transparency laws, expanding access to child care, and investing in Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses. As women across the country rally for equal pay, we are recommitting ourselves to ending wage disparities and closing the gender wealth gap once and for all.”
“On Equal Pay Day, we must reckon with our nation’s shameful history of the feminization of poverty and undervaluing women’s work while continuing the fight for true equity for all women,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “We are headed in the right direction — in New York, we have banned questioning salary history and required equal pay for substantially similar work — but it is imperative that we do everything in our power to get there faster. I am proud to stand together with Bev Neufeld, PowHer New York, and our partners in advocacy and government to fight against wage inequality and deliver a more equitable future.”
NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea-Stewart Cousins: “Equal pay for equal work is fundamental to our fight for women’s advancement. For generations, women have been shut out of economic opportunities by not only earning cents on the dollar compared to male colleagues, but also by taking on the cost of silent, unpaid labor in the home. I am proud that the Senate Majority has been at the forefront of this issue. Whether it be pushing for higher wages, championing affordable child care, or strengthening paid family leave, we will always take steps to protect women in the workplace and ensure that they receive equal pay for equal work.”
“We must take bold action to address the root causes of the wage gap and historic wage inequality. On National Equal Pay Day, I stand in unity with all advocates to fight for greater funding in the NYS Budget for Child Care, Fair Pay for Home Care Workers, and an increased minimum wage. This is the only way that we can make progress for all working women and ensure justice for all, and I look forward to getting this done with my colleagues this year.” NY Senator Robert Jackson
“It is unacceptable that women in New York still receive 85.7 cents on a man’s dollar. This is 2023, and our women deserve more. I’m proud that PowHer supports our Equal Pay Disclosure bill with Assembly member Glick, which requires state contractors to disclose data on the gender, race, ethnicity, job title, and salary of employees performing work on state contracts. This bill passed both houses by wide bipartisan margins but was shockingly vetoed. Let’s pass S.2481 again and make real progress in closing the wage gap.” NY State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal
As we continue to recover from the pandemic’s displacement of women from the workforce, and look ahead at battling inflation, we must use this time as an opportunity to support women and their position in the workforce. It’s not enough for women to get paid equally for equal work; we must also provide things like high quality and affordable child care, paid maternity leave, reliable transportation systems, and expanded opportunities for women to get into the trades. By tackling workforce issues in a holistic way, we are supporting women and their fight for equal pay and equal opportunities in the workforce. Equal Pay Day isn’t only about a paycheck, it’s about every decision a woman has to make in order to have access to that paycheck. Assemblymember Jen Lunsford (AD 135)
“New York State has made some great strides to ensure women receive equal pay for substantially similar work. However the gender pay gap is about more than not being paid the same wage for the same job–it’s also about how women are often relegated to lower paying jobs. Women’s work is invaluable and yet much of it is unseen — that’s why it’s so important that we come together on days like this and demand equal compensation for our labor.” – Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Wage inequality affects women, children, and families throughout New York. After two decades of progress, the U.S. gap in gender pay has remained flat over the past fifteen years. This is unacceptable. I will advocate in Albany for essential child care funding increases, fair pay for home care workers, and for New Yorkers to approve the Equal Rights Amendment, so we can guarantee equality for women everywhere. NY State Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright (D-76th District)
QUOTES: NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL
“As the first women-majority and the most diverse Council in our city’s history, securing equal pay is one of our top priorities,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Last year, we passed legislation to address the systemic pay disparities and occupational segregation within our own municipal workforce that keep women and people of color from being paid according to the value they provide. Today, as we reflect on what we’ve accomplished, we must recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for equity across our city. I look forward to the work ahead to close the pay gap once and for all.”
Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus, Council Member Amanda Farías, stated, “Our society is dependent upon women providing essential services, like home care and nursing, yet the women in those jobs are not given the essential services they need. This city could not function without the care and labor women provide- so it is critical that women legislators like myself fight against this narrative that women’s work is not worth equal pay. As the Co-Chair of the City Council’s Women’s Caucus, I will continue to fight with my colleagues so that women’s true value is seen, heard, and paid.”
Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus, Council Member Farah Louis, stated, “Pay Equity Day is an important reminder of all the progress we have accomplished together, and all the work we must continue to prioritize. I am so proud of the Pay Equity Package we recently passed to help us achieve a more equal economy that values the work of women professionals. The work continues as we are deeply committed to staying focused on addressing the pervasive issue of pay disparities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue fighting for economic security and fairness for New York City women.
“Decades of advocacy by powerful women have helped close the gender wage gap,” said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “But we still have work to do. Men in New York are still paid more than women, especially women of color. This Council – the first ever majority-female Council – has passed historic legislation to empower women in the workplace, including laws to increase pay transparency and direct resources to child care. I have recently introduced a bill – Intro 907 – to further improve pay equity in the City by extending transparency laws to non-wage compensation. We will continue to prioritize pay equity and fight for every woman in New York’s workplaces.”
“We can take concrete steps to bring us closer to pay equity right now, and that’s by investing in child care for all New Yorkers, fair pay for home care workers and by increasing the minimum wage,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés. “We all know that home care for the disabled and seniors, caring for our youngest ones and minimum-wage jobs are essential to helping New Yorkers thrive, but for long enough already they’ve been undervalued. Recognizing and investing in the caring economy is not only our moral obligation — it’s the right economic direction to lift up all New Yorkers.”
“Women shouldn’t have to work ten extra weeks to make up for not being a man. We are so far beyond being okay with women earning less than men, but it still happens as a matter of course. It’s outrageous that the gender wage gap still exists at all.” – CM Gale A. Brewer
“Not only do women get paid less than men for doing the same job, but the jobs women do more often than men are systemically subjected to depressed wages,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “Child care, elder care, nursing, teaching, domestic work, and other fields seen as ‘women’s work’ are disparaged as ‘unskilled’ labor so that the majority-women workforce can be paid less. But these are the jobs that keep our city afloat, and they require enormous skill and expertise to be done well. It is long past time we dignified these workers and did away with the gendered wage disparity.”
“As we approach National Equal Pay Day, it’s important to remember that women still earn less than men for doing the same job. We must take bold action to address this issue and invest in the care infrastructure, including providing higher wages and benefits for care workers. Let’s not just talk about closing the wage gap, let’s take real steps towards making a difference. – Council Member Kamillah Hanks
“There continues to be a dire need to pursue long-lasting solutions to address persistent gender and racial pay gaps in our society. We can no longer accept incremental ‘wins’ only to have to come back and ask for more. Pay equity extends beyond the workplace. It means ensuring many of our city’s most marginalized communities, Black and brown women, can live with dignity. Yet, total parity also means securing funding for universal childcare, and increased wages and improved benefits for care workers. This Council has the opportunity now, to flip the script, challenge the status quo, and make sure policies advancing pay parity are not only comprehensive, but permanent in our larger struggle for justice,” – Council Member Crystal Hudson
“As we recognize the vast contributions and celebrate the achievements of the pioneers and activists that led us to the first women-led city council, we must remember that there is still impactful work that must be done to achieve equal pay for all,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “I am proud to join my Women’s Caucus colleagues as we call for pay equity to close the wage gap in our City and change the future for all women living in New York.”
“In order for an equitable recovery for our city, we must prioritize and promote legislation and policies to ensure economic and gender equity so that women receive equal pay for equal work. This is clearly a fight for gender economic justice and we must end pay inequity for all New Yorkers as it’s unconscionable that nationwide, women are being paid on average 82 cents on the dollar compared to men,” – Council Member Julie Menin
“The pay equity gap is very real, and even in professions dominated by women, it exists. On Equal Pay Day, we demand equal pay for equal work in all fields. While it has narrowed in recent years, it remains unconscionable that in 2023 we must still rally to get what we have earned and deserve. Leaving this gap hurts not only women, but families across our city. Let 2023 be the year we do what’s right and close the gap. – Council Member Mercedes Narcisse
“While the participation rate in the labor force has recovered for women to pre-pandemic levels, following the loss of employment for 18% of women in the U.S. during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, women are still paid less than men. Women ages 25-54 earn 16% less than their male counterparts, and the pay gap is larger for older women. New York City has taken important steps, like recently passing salary transparency laws, but there is more to do to change a system that doesn’t fully value the work of women.”– Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02)
“It’s unconscionable that in 2023 women, and especially women of color, are still fighting for equal pay in the workplace. Now more than ever, women are taking the workforce by storm and demanding liveable wages to address the historic wage inequities. As a proud Latina who has worked in corporate finance and public service, I have experienced pay discrimination firsthand. We at the council are fighting to do better for those currently experiencing this inequality for future generations. – Council Member Marjorie Velázquez, Chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection.
“While we have come a long way since we first recognized Equal Pay Day, it is clear that we still have a long way to go to eliminate the gender pay gap and ensure that a person’s gender doesn’t determine their worth in the workplace,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “Women shouldn’t have to rally every year just to ensure that our hard work is valued and compensated fairly. It is time to finally end longstanding and harmful gender wage inequality.”
“Black women in the United States are paid only 63 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men, and are paid 17% less than their white female counterparts. This pay disparity not only affects individual Black women and their families, but also has broader implications for economic growth and equity.It is past time to ensure that women receive equal pay and opportunities as men, and that antiquated and discriminatory practices no longer hold them back. National equal pay day is a critical step toward creating a more fair and just society for all,” said Council Member Nantasha Williams.
QUOTES: ADVOCATES & UNION LEADERS
“Equal Pay Day is important because women are important. Today is about raising awareness of gender pay gaps and realizing we have an opportunity to continue taking the positive steps needed to end the inequality that has persisted for centuries. We have made great strides, but still have a long way to go.” – Gloria Middleton, President of CWA Local 1180.
“All women deserve equal compensation for equal work. Join us on Equal Pay Day as we fight to close the wage gap for all women. Change is possible and progress is essential and unions can lead the way. Union Women’s Equal Pay Day is celebrated in February – an entire month earlier than Equal Pay Day because the wage gap is 40% less for unionized women. It’s clear, unions help level the playing field and bring full pay equity for all women closer to reality.”- Rebecca Damon, SAG-AFTRA, Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs
“Equal pay in New York is within our reach, but only if we value women and their work. When we raise wages and strengthen laws for care workers and low-wage workers, we help close the wage gap for all women, which in turn benefits all in our families and communities.” – Ana L. Oliveira, President & CEO, The New York Women’s Foundation
“Equal Pay Day should serve as a stark reminder that the women who carried us through the pandemic remain substantially underpaid and undervalued–and they deserve nothing short of bold and urgent action to correct these longstanding inequities.”- Seher Khawaja, Senior Attorney, Economic Empowerment, Legal Momentum
“Equal Pay for equal work for women is not just about economic and financial security. It is about securing the same dignity and respect that women, and especially women of color, have been denied for ages for their work and their contributions.” Emerita Torres, Vice President of Policy Research and Advocacy, Community Service Society of New York.
“The gender pay gap is still significant with women earning only 82% of what men earn on average. Women of color face an even larger pay gap, with black women earning 63 cents, Native American women earning 60 cents, and Latina women earning just 55 cents. This wage gap results in reduced social security and pension benefits over a lifetime. Let’s work together to advocate for policy changes and close the gender pay gap for all women,” said National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) Manhattan Chapter
There is no replacement for putting justly earned money into the hands of women. No tax credit, refund, discount, or program will ever be more effective at ending poverty than paying women equally and fairly for their labor. Pay women. – Katelyn Galbraith , Chair, New York State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues
“Progress in closing the pay gap has slowed significantly, despite more women attending college — and pay for Black and Hispanic women lags even further behind, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. The Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties is committed to supporting initiatives to help close the gap.” – Denise Murphy McGraw, President, Junior League of Schenectady & Saratoga Counties
“This Equal Pay Day, Human Services Council remains more committed than ever to fighting for wage equity for all the essential workers who keep our city and state moving,” said Na’ilah Amaru. “Women in New York have led our fight against COVID-19, welcomed asylum-seekers with open arms, and serve our neediest neighbors – all with unacceptably low wages. That ends today, as women all over the city, state, and country band together to demand something fairer and better.”
“Equal pay isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. Women ‘s work must be recognized and paid equally with that of men. Women should not have to work longer than men each year just to make the same income. Women must be recognized as equal contributors to the workplace and society and must be able to earn fair wages to support their families. It’s time to recognize the value of women’s work and end wage inequality once and for all.” Gender Equality Law Center
“Just because it has been traditionally considered women’s work, doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be fairly compensated for the skills and responsibilities required. Do you think that the reason we have a shortage of childcare workers, home care workers and nurses might be that they are not being paid what they are worth? With our rapidly aging population we need Fair Pay 4 Homecare NOW. Homecare workers deserve a living wage.” Barb Thomas, Saratoga Springs
“Equal Pay Day stands as an important reminder that the predominantly female workforce in New York’s early childhood sector is underpaid and underappreciated and that their comparatively lower salaries and benefits are a legacy of discrimination against the caring professions whose work is often performed by women and particularly women of color.” said Gregory Brender, Chief Policy and Innovation Officer at Day Care Council of New York and a member of the Empire State Campaign for Child Care Executive Team “Now is the time for Governor Hochul and the State Legislature as well as leaders in local and county governments throughout the State to invest directly in the early childhood workforce and move salaries for early childhood teachers, providers, directors and support staff to parity with their counterparts in public schools.”