Paycheck Fairness Act Crucial To Achieving Pay Equity For Women

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

May 30, 2012, 04:59 ET

Romney, Republicans Continue to Push Anti-Women, Anti-Worker Agenda

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa called on GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney and the Republican Party to prove they haven't declared war on women and workers by supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act.

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"It is outrageous that Gov. Romney refuses to support fundamental fairness for women by ending pay discrimination," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "Coincidentally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is doing its best to defeat this legislation. Romney is once again beholden to the only thing he understands – the almighty dollar. He would rather allow women's wages to continue to be depressed than bite the hand of his corporate backers."

The Paycheck Fairness Act would hold employers accountable for pay discrepancies between their male and female employees while strengthening incentives to prevent pay discrimination. The legislation, along with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which was the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Obama to allow more time for women to sue for pay disparity, will go a long way toward ending this type of discrimination in the workplace.

"Romney's refusal to take a stand for basic fairness shows why labor unions are so important in our country," Hoffa said. "If Romney won't denounce something as despicable as job discrimination, it's crystal clear that he won't stand up for the middle class."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamster.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters