It’s been 61 years since the passage of the Equal Pay Act, but women are still not being paid the same as men for doing the same job.
Maumee Councilman Margo Puffenberger says that’s a problem, and she recently introduced a resolution supporting and promoting equal pay for women.
“It’s been a very slow gradual process that seems like it’s taking way too long,” she said. “I’m a strong believer leaders should speak out if something’s not right … and use their platform to rectify things.”
The resolution passed 6-1 at Maumee City Council’s Feb 5 meeting.
City Administrator Patrick Burtch said the resolution is a way for city leaders to demonstrate their support for eliminating pay discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, or gender.
“I think people go through their lives every day and assume the problem doesn’t exist,” he said. “It’s a false narrative, and we have to constantly be reminded of our shortcomings.”
For example, an employer might believe if a woman’s husband has a good-paying job, she does not need to be offered an equitable salary, Mr. Burtch said.