The inspirational women’s soccer team and their victory has highlighted a significant employment issue – pay discrimination. The women on the national team are currently suing the United States Soccer Federation asserting that they are paid less than the men, despite winning more games and generating more income.
A spokesperson noted, “These athletes generate more revenue and garner higher TV ratings but get paid less simply because they are women,” … “It is time for the Federation to correct this disparity once and for all.”
The lawsuit asserts the United States Soccer Federation has “institutionalized gender discrimination” by paying the women less, and providing disparate and unequal practice time, practice locations, medical treatment, coaching and travel. The women also assert cultural biases that value men’s sports above women’s. The lawsuit takes aim at these biases.
Unfortunately, women soccer players are not the only ones facing a gender wage gap. Despite federal legislation such as the Equal Pay Act, women across the country, including Georgia, earn less than men. The disparity increases for women of color. In addition to facing gender-based hiring and wage discrimination in the first place, men tend to get paid more once they become fathers – adding to the disparity.
In order to help address this ongoing issue, the United States Congress passed the Paycheck Fairness Act. Further some states have passed legislation barring employers from asking for pay history when hiring, as it tends to keep women stuck in a lower pay cycle.
Hopefully the visibility brought by the women’s soccer team to this important issue will help bring about awareness and change concerning wage discrimination.
If you believe you have faced gender-based wage discrimination, or any other type of employment discrimination, please contact the dedicated Atlanta wage and hour lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.