Place a call or send a fax or e-mail message to the Senate in support of the Fair Pay Act and the funds to enhance enforcement activities. Contact information and a form letter are provided at the end. Although the President clearly understands the many unfair consequences of pay discrimination, his recommended bill does not go far enough. One negative aspect of the Fair Pay Act, however, is a small business exemption, which would create an exception for employers with 25 or fewer employees, initially, and then later for employers with 15 or fewer employees. More than half of all women workers hold sales, clerical and service jobs.
Studies show that the more an occupation is dominated by women or people of color, the less it pays.
Another part of the wage gap is due to a difference in education, experience or time in the workforce. However, the biggest part of the pay gap can only be explained as the result of discrimination. The impact of the wage gap follows women throughout their lives. There should be little wonder that there is such a high poverty rate among older women. One popular misconception is that women earn less than men because they work fewer hours.