The National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) has declared that March 14th, 2023 is Equal Pay Day. This nationwide awareness day symbolizes how far into 2023 women must work to earn the same as men did in 2022. This year, it demonstrates that women need to work about two and a half months longer than men to make the same amount.
This highlights the ongoing wage gap between men and women around the U.S. While the wage gap may be slowly closing, it still exists. Here’s what you should know about Equal Pay Day and what you can do if you believe you are receiving inequitable compensation.
History of Equal Pay Day
Equal Pay Day has been recognized annually by the NCPE since 1996. The original date was set as a Tuesday in April to represent the significant wage gap between men and women. Every year since, the NCPE has used the previous year’s census information to determine what week the day should be.
Having it fall in March instead of April shows that the country is moving in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go. In fact, the NCPE has begun recognizing multiple days each year to account for wage gaps by race and identity as well. March 14th represents all women in the workforce, but other days include:
- Black Women: July 27th, because black women earn 64-67% of what white men make on average.
- Latinas: October 5th, because they earn 54-57% of what white men earn on average.
- Native Women: November 30th, because they earn, on average, 51-57% of what white men make.
- Moms: August 15th, because they receive 62-74% of what dads make.
- LGBTQ+: June 15th, because while specific data is lacking, studies suggest a significant wage gap.
Identifying Inequitable Compensation in the Workplace
While ideally, Equal Pay Day will eventually fall on December 31st, we are not yet there. Luckily, states like California are beginning to implement pay transparency laws, making it significantly easier to determine if you are being paid fairly.
If you find that you are not receiving equitable compensation or that there is a gendered wage gap at your workplace, you can fight back. You have the right to receive equal pay for equal work, and if your employer violates that right, they may owe you damages. Contact the expert workplace discrimination attorneys at Alexander, Morrison & Fehr, LLP to get started. Our skilled lawyers have years of experience helping workers like you to fight back against gendered wage gaps in California. Learn more about how we can assist you by scheduling your consultation with our gender discrimination law firm today.