Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

Definition

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a federal law that aims to strengthen protections against pay discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. It was enacted in 2009 and is named after Lilly Ledbetter, a woman who faced decades of unequal pay compared to her male counterparts at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act overturned a 2007 Supreme Court decision that had limited the time period for filing pay discrimination claims.
2. The act allows employees to file a pay discrimination claim within 180 days of receiving any paycheck affected by a discriminatory decision, rather than just 180 days from the initial discriminatory act.
3. The act applies to compensation discrimination claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.
4. The act was the first bill signed into law by President Barack Obama after he took office in 2009.
5. The act is considered a significant victory for women's rights and a step towards achieving equal pay for equal work.

Review Questions

• Explain the key purpose and provisions of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
  • The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was enacted to strengthen protections against pay discrimination based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. The act allows employees to file a pay discrimination claim within 180 days of receiving any paycheck affected by a discriminatory decision, rather than just 180 days from the initial discriminatory act. This overturned a previous Supreme Court decision that had limited the time period for filing such claims. The act applies to compensation discrimination claims under various federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and is considered a significant victory for women's rights and a step towards achieving equal pay for equal work.
• Describe the historical context and significance of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
  • The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was named after Lilly Ledbetter, a woman who faced decades of unequal pay compared to her male counterparts at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The act was enacted in 2009, shortly after President Barack Obama took office, and was the first bill he signed into law. The act was a response to a 2007 Supreme Court decision that had limited the time period for filing pay discrimination claims, which was seen as a setback for women's rights and equal pay. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is considered a significant victory in the ongoing fight for women's rights and pay equity, as it helps to ensure that employees can seek redress for pay discrimination in a timely manner.
• Analyze the impact of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act on the broader context of the fight for women's rights.
  • The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a crucial piece of legislation in the ongoing fight for women's rights and gender equality in the workplace. By strengthening protections against pay discrimination and allowing for more timely claims, the act helps to address the persistent wage gap between men and women, which has been a longstanding issue. The act's passage and implementation are seen as important steps towards achieving pay equity and recognizing the value of women's contributions in the workforce. Additionally, the act's significance extends beyond just pay discrimination, as it represents a broader commitment to upholding the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination that are central to the broader women's rights movement. The act's impact, therefore, can be understood as part of a larger effort to create a more just and equitable society for all.

Related terms

Pay Discrimination: The practice of paying employees differently for performing the same work, based on their gender, race, or other protected characteristics.

Equal Pay Act of 1963: A federal law that requires employers to pay men and women equally for performing the same work, with some exceptions.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: A federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.