Rep. Susan Davis Votes To Send Paycheck Fairness Bill To President

Press Release

Rep. Susan Davis voted to make it easier for workers to pursue claims of pay discrimination.

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would allow workers to file a pay discrimination claim within 180 days of the latest incidence of discrimination rather than the first incidence. Because workers may not be aware that they are receiving lower pay than their peers, under the current law, it is often impossible to file a pay discrimination claim in time.

"Despite the progress that we have made over the past four decades, many employers continue to overlook, and occasionally even intentionally ignore, the contributions of their female employees," said Davis. "The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act will give employees a better chance to challenge pay discrimination in the workplace."

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act would apply to workers who file claims of pay discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

Lilly Ledbetter worked for nearly 20 years at a Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. She sued the company after learning that she was paid less then her male counterparts at the facility, despite having more experience than several of them. A jury found that her employer had unlawfully discriminated against her on the basis of sex.

However, the Supreme Court said that Ledbetter had waited too long to sue. While Ledbetter filed her charge within 180 days of receiving discriminatory pay, the court ruled that, since Ledbetter did not raise a claim within 180 days of the employer's decision to pay her less, she could not receive any relief.

President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.

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