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Ledbetter: Equal Pay 'A Family Affair'

Phil Masterton
/
WNIJ

 It’s International Women’s Day. The YWCA of Rockford celebrated a little early Monday with a luncheon featuring Equal Pay Activist Lilly Ledbetter. 

The Alabama woman was a manager at Goodyear Tire when she learned she was earning much less than her male co-workers. Her case went as far as the Supreme Court and eventually resulted in President Obama signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

I just want everyone to be sure they get what they are entitled to. They need to check it, research it, and know that. They can talk to people too. They can network. They can find out a lot. They say we women don't negotiate. I don't know! You wouldn't want to be with me when I buy a car.

Ledbetter’s namesake act allows more time to file wage discrimination suits against employers. She says pay inequities are still a problem for women and minorities, and urges people to push for more openness in pay rates within the workplace.     

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.