Today, Latina Equal Pay Day, is a day that should be on everyone’s radar. Every year, Latinas have to work almost twice as long just to earn as much as their white male colleagues did the previous year. That’s right, it takes Latinas 22 months to earn what white men earn in just 12 months. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age, we’re still grappling with such a glaring pay disparity.
But let’s not just dwell on the problem. In this blog, we’ll explore why Latina Equal Pay Day matters and how Latinas can help tackle this issue head-on.
What is Latina Equal Pay Day and Why Does it Matter?
Latina Equal Pay Day is a stark reminder of the wage gap that continues to exist between Latinas and white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. The wage gap is staggering: according to Equal Pay Today, on average, Latinas earn just 52 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, including part-time, seasonal, and migrant workers. For full-time, year-round workers, the gap is slightly better at 57 cents on the dollar. This disparity has serious consequences for Latinas and their families, who have less money to save for retirement, invest in education, or provide for their loved ones. Moreover, it perpetuates systemic inequality and discrimination against Latinas in the workplace.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. Latinas have been hit hard by job losses and wage reductions during the pandemic. According to a report by UnidosUS, Latinas were overrepresented in industries that have been most affected by job losses, such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare. In addition, many Latinas work in jobs that cannot be done remotely, making them more vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19.
Given these challenges, it’s important to acknowledge the significant impact that the pandemic has had on Latina workers’ wages and job security. As we look towards recovery from this crisis, it’s crucial that we put policies in place to address these disparities and support Latina workers who have been disproportionately affected.
The following section outlines some specific ways that Latinas can can help address the wage gap:
