Archive for the News Category
Posted by bneufeld on July 16, 2010 at 10:36 am
Gov. Paterson & Sen. Hassell-Thompson celebrating new MWBE laws
After years of work by legislators and advocates, including NYWA and EPCNYC, Gov. Paterson signed four MWBE Bills into law on July 15th. They will enable qualified Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) to garner a much larger share of state contracts. Congratulations to all who have worked long and hard for this, and special thanks to Nancy Ploeger, Chair of NYWA’s Economic Empowerment Committee, for leading our efforts to create tangible change and increased opportunities for NYS women.
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Posted by bneufeld on July 7, 2010 at 13:59 pm
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An encouraging exchange of information and ideas took place at the June 16th hearing, Closing the Gender Wage Gap, sponsored by the NYC Council Women’s Issues Committee. Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Chair, members of the committee, and CM Letitia James heard from and questioned experts presented by the Equal Pay Coalition NYC and NYWA. The result was a firm commitment to action in the coming session. We will make sure that happens!
Women’s Committee Briefing Paper
Quick overview of testimony followed by full testimony : Read More
Posted by bneufeld on May 18, 2010 at 13:37 pm
May 17 (Reuters) - A division of giant pharmaceutical company Novartis AG engaged in a pattern of discriminating against women, a U.S. jury ruled on Monday in a class action lawsuit over pay, promotion and pregnancy.
The lawsuit on behalf of about 5,600 current and former women employees alleged that while working for Novartis they were systematically denied promotions, paid less and subjected to differential treatment. Full article
Posted by bneufeld on April 27, 2010 at 13:14 pm
BRITISH COUNCIL FACES $1BILLION EQUAL PAY BILL - Up to 5000 women today learned that they have won their claims for equal pay against the Council based on bonus payments which allowed male employees to earn in excess of £50,000 per year. The women had submitted claims against their employer in respect of their jobs which included Cleaners, Cooks and Care Assistants and the Employment Tribunal has today announced that a the bonus payments made to the men were discriminatory. Read More
Posted by bneufeld on April 26, 2010 at 17:10 pm
SAN FRANCISCO - by Alexandria Sage - In a major blow to Wal-Mart Stores Inc, a sex-discrimination lawsuit against the retailer can proceed as a class-action case covering more than 1 million female employees, a U.S. court ruled on Monday.
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, had asked the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to undo class-action certification in what could be the largest sexual discrimination lawsuit in the nation’s history.
The lawsuit argues that female workers were paid less and received fewer promotions at Wal-Mart than male counterparts, and that the retailer’s corporate structure fostered this gender discrimination.
Posted by bneufeld on March 3, 2010 at 23:06 pm
Kentucky Distribution Facility Denied Jobs to Female Applicants on a Systemic Basis, Federal Agency Charged
INDIANAPOLIS –Walmart Stores will pay $11.7 million in back wages and compensatory damages, its share of employer taxes, and up to $250,000 in administration fees and will furnish other relief, including jobs, to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today. Read More
Posted by bneufeld on February 22, 2010 at 19:50 pm
Published: Feb. 17, 2010 at 3:30 AM, By HARRIET ROBBINS OS
“The first legislation President Obama signed into law nine days after taking office was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. He did so enthusiastically, using a different pen for each letter of his signature so as to maximize the number of keepsake pens for the momentous occasion….
The new act was born to great celebration and fanfare, and, as many liberals have declared, it heralded a return of Title VII (the employment discrimination provision section) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to its original intent and spirit.
More than a year later, however, the U.S. Supreme Court has not invoked the Ledbetter Act.
On Monday, the Court will have its first opportunity to apply the law when it hears Lewis vs. city of Chicago. Read More
Posted by admin on February 4, 2010 at 17:26 pm
CHEERS! Today the U.S. Senate confirmed New York State’s Commissioner of Labor M. Patricia Smith as U.S. Solicitor of Labor. After nine months of delays, the final vote was 60 to 37. As one of the top 3 officials in the department, she will have substantial impact on the future of American workers. Here in New York Smith was a strong advocate for women and minorities. A good sign for better days ahead for workers’ rights.
NYWA and the Equal Pay Coalition NYC were strong and active supporters of her confirmation based on her excellent track record and credentials….Congratulation, Solicitor Smith!
“Senate confirmation of NYS Commissioner of Labor M. Patricia Smith is New York’s loss, but a huge gain for the country. Her track record creating economic equity coupled with the announcement of a new National Equal Pay Taskforce are good indications of better times ahead for working American workers and their families,” said Beverly Neufeld, representative of the Equal Pay Coalition NYC.
Posted by bneufeld on February 1, 2010 at 23:17 pm
“The President is establishing a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. “We’re going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws -– so that women get equal pay for an equal day’s work.” To make sure we uphold our nation’s core commitment to equality of opportunity, the Obama Administration is implementing an Equal Pay initiative to improve compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. The Task Force will ensure that the agencies with responsibility for equal pay enforcement are coordinating efforts and limiting potential gaps in enforcement. The Administration also continues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, and is increasing funding for the agencies enforcing equal pay laws and other key civil rights statutes. ” White House Blog
