The Supreme Court heard a hearing on Tuesday on what could become the biggest sex discrimination case in the history of the US against discount giant Wal-Mart. Over ten years ago, Betty Dukes and five plaintiffs filed a sex discrimination case against Wal-Mart alleging that Wal-Mart discriminates against women by paying women less than men for the same position and by overlooking qualified women for promotion. If the Supreme Court certifies a class action against Wal-Mart, the case could end up in the billions, if the Plaintiffs prevail. It is estimated that anywhere from 500,000 to over a million women may be involved in the lawsuit. The class action, if approved would include all past and present Wal-Mart women workers since 1998. Class actions allow plaintiffs who share a similar complaint to proceed as a class without having individual trials. It is not a perfect solution. Certain legal requirements must be met to go forward as a class action. One or a few individuals … [Read more...] about Does Wal-Mart Discount Women Workers?
Archives for March 2011
Murkowski Supports Funding for Planned Parenthood
The real Alaskan maverick is U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R. Alaska) who fought a well fought and won write in campaign to beat the GOP Tea Party candidate backed candidate. Now, she's speaking out on her own and supporting Planned Parenthood's need for federal funds. She is one of a few Republicans who publicly support Planned Parenthood. At least, we know she stands for something for women. She says the loss of funds will affect many women in Alaska. Now, if only she could convince Republicans to support it. To read more: See Planned Parenthood Fights to Prevent Loss of Funds from Anchorage Daily. … [Read more...] about Murkowski Supports Funding for Planned Parenthood
Why We Still Need Collective Bargaining Today
There’s a misguided move to end collective bargaining rights for unions for all the wrong reasons. Those supporters who want to end collective bargaining see it as a cost saving measure. Those clamoring to end collective bargaining rights are looking to return to the past glory days without collective bargaining. Well, the past was not so glorified for many workers in the US. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the New York City Triangle Fire where on March 25, 1911, 146 garment workers died after a fire broke out at the Triangle Waist Company. The mostly girls and young women, who were killed, were locked in the factory to prevent them from taking breaks. Many perished through the fire or jumped to their deaths from the 8th and 9th floors. At that time, there was no union or collective bargaining to protect their rights or require basic work place safety for the workers. After the fire, the New York legislature passed laws requiring automatic sprinklers, unlocked doors … [Read more...] about Why We Still Need Collective Bargaining Today
Affordable Health Care Law Celebrates its First Birthday
One year ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, helping millions of Americans by drastically improving their lives. Despite the Republican controlled Congress dripping comments that it has been repealed, it has not been repealed. Republicans are working overtime to return to the good ole days when insurance companies could significantly raise premiums at the drop of a hat. But rest assured, President Obama promises to veto any bill coming across his desk to defund health care. The Affordable Care Act, known as health care reform, has significantly made a positive impact on Americans and particularly, African Americans and minority communities, many of whom lack health insurance. One in 5 African Americans lack health insurance, more than any other group. The law provides African Americans the freedom to get the care they need without seeking primary care from the emergency room. Most importantly, the law provides vital protection for those with pre-existing conditions … [Read more...] about Affordable Health Care Law Celebrates its First Birthday
International Anti-Racism Day Should be Mandatory for America
International Anti-Racism day on March 21, established by the UN, should be a mandatory observance in America. Better yet, the US should start its own National Anti-Racism day. We could use it to mark a day when no racism of any form is tolerated in America. It would be like a moment of silence only lasting for a full day. Imagine, we outlaw racism and prevent any form of it from being practiced on just one day. But, first, we’d have to talk about racism and acknowledge that it still exists in America. There are many persons who still believe that with the election of President Obama, racism ended. They think that his election turned us into a post racial society. How silly of a notion to think that one event would eliminate hundreds of years of institutionalized racism in America. Nothing is farther from the truth. If anything, the election of President Obama has proven to me that we are still a country that is full of racism. His election was not about race but about change. … [Read more...] about International Anti-Racism Day Should be Mandatory for America
Why Are Black Women Invisible in Business?
Black women in business. Still invisible. Still undervalued. Last week, a coalition of groups representing black women elected officials released a report which acknowledged the role that broadband adoption could play to empower female controlled households with vital online-based job training and search tools, telemedicine options, education and small business resources. It also tasked the federal government when implementing the National Broadband Plan that was released last spring to do so in a manner that support telework options and small businesses, especially considering the role women play as owners of 1/3 of all small businesses. This quote from a call with reporters on the report’s release by Senator Sharon Weston Broome, president of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL) who released the report in conjunction with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) stood out: As we have advanced over the decades – into college classrooms, … [Read more...] about Why Are Black Women Invisible in Business?