Summary
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act was signed into law by former President Barack Obama in 2009, marking a significant advancement in the fight for gender pay equity in the workplace. This legislation was a direct response to the Supreme Court’s 2007 ruling against Lilly Ledbetter, which had limited the time frame for employees to file pay discrimination lawsuits.
Ledbetter, a former factory manager at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Alabama, discovered she was earning significantly less than her male colleagues and subsequently filed a lawsuit. However, the Supreme Court ruled that her claim was invalid because she had not filed within six months of the first discriminatory paycheck. The Fair Pay Restoration Act amended this by allowing workers to sue within six months of discovering pay discrimination, rather than from the time the discrimination began. In signing the bill, Obama emphasized that it was crucial for ensuring fairness in the workplace and protecting workers’ rights, stating that it sent a clear message against pay discrimination based on gender or other characteristics. Ledbetter’s activism and the passage of this law have left a lasting impact on the movement for equal pay.
Lilly Ledbetter, equal pay icon, dead at 86
Oct. 14 / Cbs News / Focuses on Ledbetter's personal story and the significance of the Fair Pay Act, effectively capturing her essence as an advocate. However, it lacks some of the broader context found in other coverage. “ Lilly Ledbetter, a champion of women getting paid the same as men for doing the same work, died Saturday night, her family said in a statement. She was 86....
Lilly Ledbetter, namesake of Fair Pay Act, dead at 86
Oct. 14 / Fox News / Highlights Ledbetter's lifelong advocacy and the impact of her lawsuit, providing a comprehensive view of her legacy. The inclusion of quotes from notable figures adds depth and emotional resonance. “ Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Lilly Ledbetter, a former Alabama factory manager whose lawsuit against her...
