ACLU of MAINE Public Policy Counsel Alysia Melnick co-authored a great op-ed in today's Press Herald:
"Paycheck Protection a Valuable Boost for Maine's Women Workers"
Unfortunately, it looks like politics may trump principle again. Today, Maine Public Radio and the Bangor Daily News reported that the Paycheck Fairness Act is "on thin ice." The bill, which passed in the House of Representatives with support from Maine Congressman Mike Michaud and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, takes steps to end pay discrimination.
Now both Senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, reportedly oppose the Paycheck Fairness Act because the bill allows a court to award a woman punitive damages. This is sad to hear because both Senators had previously been champions on women's rights issues.
The Paycheck Fairness Act:
- requires employers to demonstrate that wage differentials are based on factors other than sex;
- prohibits retaliation against workers who inquire about their employers’ wage practices or disclose their own wages;
- permits reasonable comparisons between employees within clearly defined geographical areas to determine fair wages;
- strengthens penalties for equal pay violations;
- directs the Department of Labor to assist employers and collect wage-related data; and
- authorizes additional training for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission staff to better identify and handle wage disputes.
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Update: The New York Times editorialized in favor of the Paycheck Fairness Act today:
Shortchanging America's Women
