Press Releases

U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)  introduced the Latina Equal Pay Day Resolution to recognize October 5 as Latina Equal Pay Day and highlight the disparity in wages paid to Latinas, the significance of equal pay, and its larger impact on women, families, and the economy. 

“As Hispanic Heritage month comes to a close we celebrate the historic milestones we’ve accomplished and reflect on how far we still have to go. We rise in a unified voice for our hermanas latinas who face unequal treatment and disparities in their wages,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Our Latina Equal Pay Resolution emphasizes the need to close the gender and racial wage gap for Latinas. Latinas make barely more than half as much as white non-Hispanic men. We have to work nearly twice as long. For far too long our work has been undervalued - ya basta. Es nuestro tiempo ahora.”

“It’s past time that Latinas get equal pay for equal work,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “The pay gap experienced by women, especially minority women, creates an unjust disadvantage as they pursue their version of the American Dream. Latinas helped build this nation and play a critical role in our nation’s economy, yet they only make 52 cents for every dollar paid to White non-Hispanic men. This is unacceptable. Latinas deserve equal pay now.”

“Latinas play a critical role in our economy, and we deserve to be paid fairly for our work—it’s that simple,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m proud to lead this effort and remain committed to closing the wage gap so Latinas have the opportunity to afford a home, start their own businesses, and retire with dignity. I will never stop fighting to protect Nevadans’ economic stability and defend our rights.”

On Latina Equal Pay Day, we recognize the wage gap that Latina women face on average to finally earn what White non-Hispanic men were paid in the previous calendar year. Decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Latinas made only 57 cents working full-time and year-round for every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic men in 2022. For all Latinas with reported earnings, the wage gap worsened in comparison to 2021. All Latinas with reported earnings in 2022 were paid just 52 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. 

The resolution is co-sponsored by 23 members, including Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), and J. Luis Correa (D–CA-26). 

Endorsing Organizations: Justice for Migrant Women, Greater Boston LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement) Chapter, MomsRising, Justice for Migrant Women, MANA A National Latina Organization, Suma wealth and Acevedo Foundation, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Lopez-Wagner Strategies, National Partnership for Women & Families, She Votes Illinois, Gulf Coast LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement), Mi Familia Vota, National Organization for Women, National Women's Law Center, FLAP- Farmworker and landscaper Advocacy Project, ERA Coalition, Labor Council for Latina American Advancement (LCLAA), Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), National Council of Jewish Women, Poderistas, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, American Association of University Women, Azul, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, The TransLatin@ Coalition, National Employment Law Project, MomUp, Esperanza United, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Central American Resource Center, Equal Rights Advocates, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Unstoppable Latina LLC, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, National Survivor Network (Cast), Hispanic Federation, AFL-CIO, Care In Action, AFT Latino Caucus , Rhia Ventures