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Maryland leaders rally for pay equity
The Department of Labor’s report unveils stark earnings disparities for women in Maryland
The Department of Labor’s report unveils stark earnings disparities for women in Maryland / Supplied
Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu took center stage today to mark Equal Pay Day, emphasizing the urgent need to address the gender and racial wage disparities highlighted in a new report by the Department of Labor. Joined by Senator Ariana Kelly and Delegate Jennifer White Holland, champions of the Wage Range Transparency bills (HB649/SB52), Miller and Wu also welcomed Dr. Gabriela Lemus, Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos, and Monesha Phillips, owner of Pandora’s Box, to spotlight the pressing need for action to close the earnings gap for women of color in the state.
In a rallying call for equal pay, Lt. Gov. Miller stressed, "This is an issue of fundamental fairness and economic vitality. Our imperative is clear: Let’s achieve equal pay for equal work. Our administration has already taken significant strides to enhance pay equity for working women. By enhancing transparency, we can delve deeper into why the gender pay gap persists in Maryland and chart further steps to eradicate it. Equity is not just rhetoric for our administration – it’s our guiding principle."
Women are the backbone of many of our families and communities across the state. They not only deserve but demand equal pay for equal work. #EqualPayDay https://t.co/dRF3AjpCVP
— Aruna K. Miller (@arunamiller) March 13, 2024
Resounding Miller's sentiments, Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu affirmed, "Our report underscores the enduring wage disparity experienced by women across Maryland. The Maryland Department of Labor is dedicated to tackling this challenge by expanding opportunities and enforcing our state’s wage regulations. Enhanced pay transparency is a pivotal component of the solution."
The Department of Labor’s report unveils stark earnings disparities for women in Maryland, offering a comprehensive analysis across counties and comparing Maryland’s figures with national data. Notably, women in Maryland earn US$0.86 for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men, showcasing a narrower gap than in 46 other states.
However, the report underscores exacerbating wage discrepancies for women of color. Latinas in Maryland earn just US$0.50 for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men, ranking among the largest disparities nationwide. Black women in Maryland earn US0$.67, while Asian women earn US$0.86.
Thank you to all the union leaders for showing up and for your advocacy in Annapolis. We will be Maryland Strong because we are going to be Union Strong! Let's continue working together for a stronger, more equitable Maryland. #UnionStrong #MarylandStrong pic.twitter.com/ML96S2BpgZ
— Aruna K. Miller (@arunamiller) March 12, 2024
Supporting the legislative push for transparency, Senator Ariana Kelly emphasized the significance of SB525, stating, "Wage range transparency is a game-changer. It levels the playing field for all Maryland job seekers by providing insight into expected salary ranges for various positions. This empowers prospective employees with critical information and paves the way to bridging Maryland’s persistent wage gap for women and people of color."
Delegate Jennifer White Holland echoed the sentiment, noting, "Wage range transparency serves as a vital tool in addressing wage disparities and positioning women of color to accumulate and safeguard wealth for future generations."
Dr. Gabriela Lemus of Maryland Latinos Unidos underscored the profound impact of wage disparities on the lifetime earnings and financial security of women of color, stating, "This represents a substantial sum that could significantly alter the trajectory of a Latina's life and that of her family. Without timely intervention, she may face a lifetime of financial insecurity."
Monesha Phillips, owner of Pandora’s Box, emphasized her commitment to advocating for equitable practices in business, stating, "As a business owner, it’s my duty to champion changes that foster fairness and equity in our communities. Mandating pay range transparency for all businesses represents a straightforward step toward addressing wage disparities and effecting positive change for communities of color and women as a whole."
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