Economy

Rest in Power: Equal Pay Advocate Lilly Ledbetter Dies at 86

From left to right: Katherine Spillar, Lilly Ledbetter, former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Eleanor Smeal.

Lilly Ledbetter, a remarkable equal pay advocate, passed away at age 86 on October 12, 2024. Her journey began in 1979 as a dedicated employee at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she worked for nearly two decades. However, it was her discovery of wage discrimination that transformed her life into a powerful movement for change and inspiration for the Fair Pay Act of 2009. 

At Goodyear, despite signing a contract that prohibited discussing pay rates, Lilly’s life took a pivotal turn when an anonymous note in her mailbox revealed the salaries of her male counterparts just before her retirement. Confronted with the stark reality of wage discrimination, Lilly took action.

She filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and initiated a lawsuit alleging pay discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Even in her 60s, Lilly faced retaliation, being reassigned to physically demanding tasks, but she stood firm in her fight for equality.

Initially, a jury awarded her compensation, but Goodyear appealed the decision, leading the case to the U.S. Supreme Court Case, Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. In 2007, the court ruled against her in a narrow 5-4 decision, stating that claims based on employer decisions made more than 180 days prior could not be pursued under Title VII. This ruling meant Lilly was denied the monetary compensation she rightfully deserved.

Since that decision, Lilly became a passionate advocate for equal pay, tirelessly lobbying for change. Her relentless efforts culminated in a significant victory when President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law on January 29, 2009, which strengthened protections against pay discrimination.

The Fair Pay Act revised the rules surrounding the statute of limitations for filing pay discrimination claims. It allows individuals to file a claim within 180 days of their most recent paycheck, which reflects discriminatory pay, rather than the initial decision. This change empowers employees by recognizing the ongoing nature of wage discrimination.

Feminist Majority Foundation President and dear friend of Ledbetter, Eleanor Smeal says, “I had the privilege of traveling with her to fight for [equality]. She was fortunate enough to travel with Obama and reach out to thousands and thousands of people to pave the way to reverse the Supreme Court decision. [With] every one of these gains, the winning is just the beginning. Making the laws better and stronger takes decades of work. Lilly wasn’t in it for herself, she was in it to change the laws for working women. She was very determined and made a difference for the lives of millions of women and girls – and the fight goes on.”

Former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney also fought for equality alongside Smeal and Ledbetter. “We mourn her passing and remember her transformational work,” said Maloney. “I regret she did not live to see the ERA recognized as the 28th amendment, which would allow the enforcement of equal pay for equal work.”

Lilly once expressed her desire for her legacy to reflect her impact: “I told my pastor when I die, I want him to be able to say at my funeral that I made a difference.” Through her bravery and dedication, Lilly Ledbetter has indeed made a profound difference, inspiring generations to continue the fight for equality and justice in the workplace. Today, we honor her legacy and commitment to a more just world for all.

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