The pain continues for millions of jobless workers and their families as long-term unemployment has reached historic highs. Although small gains in reemployment have been made, women have actually lost ground. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent in November, the unemployment rate for women who maintain families was 12.1 percent.
The issue of paycheck parity may not be quite as simple as the rallying cry of 77 cents makes it seem–dealing with the vestiges of oppression never is.
Today, I joined Wal-Mart associates, the Making Change at Wal-Mart Campaign, Jobs with Justice, and others from the NOW Action Center in an exciting action. More than fifteen people gathered to request a meeting with Arne Sorenson, President and COO of Marriott International, Inc., and a board member of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
According to Census Bureau data for full-time, year-round workers, women are paid on average 77 percent of what men are paid; for women of color, the gap is significantly wider. These gaps stubbornly remain despite passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963.
The latest Social Security trustees report projects that the system has a surplus of $2.7 trillion and revenue sufficient to pay all benefits through 2033. Those bent on dismantling and/or privatizing the system will try to twist these facts, but don’t be fooled Social Security is financially sound, and it’s even possible to improve benefits to meet the realities of today’s families.
Donate $35+ to receive the 60th Anniversary cap as a thank-you.