What is the unequal pay between men and women?

Unequal pay between men and women is a form of discrimination that has been illegal in Washington since 1943, when the Washington Equal Pay Act was passed. This law prohibits employers from paying different wages to men and women who perform the same or substantially similar jobs. The wage gap between men and women in this state is the fourth largest in the country with women earning approximately 80% of what men earn for doing the same job. This means that for every dollar earned by a man, a woman earns just 80 cents. This pay gap is even wider for women of color. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, African-American and Hispanic women in Washington are paid 61 percent and 51 percent of what white men in the state earn, respectively. The wage gap does not just harm women and their families. It also has an effect on the wider economy because fewer women are able to reach leadership positions and purchase goods and services. This wage gap also contributes to the gender wage gap which is experienced nationwide and impacts a huge portion of the population. Washington state laws require employers to provide equal pay to men and women of all races, national origin, and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of their job title or hours worked. Any wage or salary disparity must be based on factors other than gender. Employers who do not follow these laws can be held liable and face potential financial penalties.

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What is the unequal pay between men and women?

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