“Latina Equal Pay Day is a sobering reminder that the wage gap Latinas face is extreme, harmful, unacceptable – and for the first time in two decades, it is widening. Because Congress has failed to take the necessary action to address wage discrimination in our country, Latina earners overall are paid just 51 cents on the dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. Because our nation hasn’t invested in a care infrastructure, Latina working moms are paid an even more disgraceful 41 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic dads. This shameful discrimination persists across occupations and education levels. It is driven by racism, sexism and xenophobia, and it must end. 

“Our families, our communities, and our economy all suffer when Latinas are shortchanged on our paychecks. The lack of progress on this issue is unacceptable. Latina voters are engaged, mobilizing, and ready to vote for leaders who will address the wage gap and other pressing issues our communities face. We are working hard to get out the vote and make our voices heard. Moms of all backgrounds are energized and rising for the policies that will lift our families and our economy, and end the wage gap once and for all.” 

– Statement of Xochitl Oseguera, Vice President, MamásConPoder

“It is appalling that Latinas lose an average of $1.2 million to the wage gap over a 40-year career. In order for families, and our economy as a whole to thrive, Latinas must be paid fairly. Closing the wage gap should be a top priority for every member of Congress. 

“To end the wage gap and boost our economy, we need the Paycheck Fairness Act to protect workers from retaliation for speaking up about unfair pay, end the use of salary history in hiring, and strengthen penalties for wage discrimination. Congress must also pass the BE HEARD Act to protect against workplace harassment in all its forms and finally end the tipped subminimum wage. Passing these long-overdue policies will make our workplaces more fair, our communities stronger, and our economy more successful. 

“We can’t afford to go backward. Moms are looking to lawmakers for comprehensive solutions, now. We will continue to fight for fair pay until nobody in this country is penalized for her gender, race, nation of origin, or any other factor.”  

– Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO, MomsRising

Note: MomsRising/MamásConPoder has experts available who can speak about Latina Equal Pay Day in English or Spanish.