Women’s groups continue fight for Philadelphia wage equity law

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 Melissa Robbins of NOW speaks at event (Tom MacDonald, WHYY)

Melissa Robbins of NOW speaks at event (Tom MacDonald, WHYY)

Women’s groups fighting for pay equity are calling on those who oppose a new Philadelphia law to drop the lawsuit standing in the way of the measure.

A group of women and men Tuesday gathered outside Philadelphia City Council, where the law to prevent employers from asking for a salary history was passed. 

Tara Murtha of the Women’s Law Project said the city is acting because the state government is not.

“My point is the perpetual failure of the Pennsylvania Legislature to address workplace equality makes Philadelphia’s efforts all the more important, all the more necessary, and all the more appreciated,” she said.

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Melissa Robbins of the Philadelphia Branch of the National Organization for Women said NOW is fighting to preserve a law it believes will level the playing field — and help insure women and men earn equal pay for equal work.

“We will no longer stand down, we will no longer suffer in silence, we are hardworking women all over the city of Philadelphia,” Robbins said. “Now is the time, ladies. Let your voices be heard and demand equal pay today.”

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce filed the suit then refiled it after a judge questioned its standing.  The group declined to comment.

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