Hastings Blasts Senate Republicans for Blocking Paycheck Fairness Act

Statement

Yesterday's action by Republicans in the Senate to block the Paycheck Fairness Act was a blatant political stunt that was completely irresponsible. Once again, they have decided to put political gamesmanship over the interest of the nation, America's women, and their families.

While the Equal Pay Act has been law for 44 years, women with similar education, skills, and experience are still paid on average $0.77 to every id="mce_marker".00 that their male colleagues earn. This to me is absolutely unacceptable.

The Paycheck Fairness Act revises remedies for enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages, providing the same protections as those against pay discrimination based on race and ethnicity. All workers regardless of age, color, gender, national origin, race, religion, or disability should be paid equally based on their work. Any wage disparity based on anything other than an applicant's ability to effectively perform their duties constitutes discrimination, period.

Furthermore, at a time when middle class and working poor Americans are struggling to find a job, keep their homes, and provide for their families, I cannot understand Senate Republicans' logic on blocking such an important measure. Legislation that would help level the playing field for women who suffer from pay discrimination.

Bottom line, women should be paid equally for equal work. I remain committed to supporting measures in Congress that will ensure women are treated fairly and paid equally in the workplace.

Source