The series “Mad Men” may have come to an end, but too many Michigan women are still working in Mad Men-style settings that continue to pay women less than they pay men for doing the same work. In our state, the average annual wage earned by a woman is 77 percent of the wage earned by a man. It’s time for that to end.

The House Democrats have introduced a package of legislation that would make Michigan an equal pay state. These bills would:

  • Require employers to disclose, upon request, wage information for similarly situated employees.
  • Amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include equal compensation for work of comparable value.
  • Establish penalties for companies that don’t comply with current equal pay laws
  • Require employers to post and inform employees about equal pay laws.
  • Allow remedies for wage discrimination under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
  • Recognize April 14, 2015, as Equal Pay Day.

Republicans remain steadfast in their opposition to equal work. Even so, the House Democrats are committed to fighting for fair wages for all workers.

Learn more about pay equity: