NYSNa celebrates equal Pay day

By Jennifer R. Farmer

for over one-quarter century, the nation has commemorated Equal Pay Day. The National Committee on Pay Equity started the recognition beginning in 1996. It is an opportunity to highlight the gender pay gap. But more importantly, it is the day that marks how far into the new year the average woman must work to match what her male counterparts made the year before.

In 2023, Equal Pay Day was observed on March 15. But not all women catch up on March 15. According to the American Association of University Women, which promotes equity and education for women and girls, Equal Pay Day falls on different days depending on a person’s identity and social location. For instance: l Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day is May 3. Asian American and Pacific Islander women are paid 75 cents for every $1 paid to white men. l LGBTQIA+ Equal l Moms’ Equal Pay Day is Sept. 8. Moms are paid 58 cents for every $1 paid to dads. l Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is Sept. 21. Black women are paid 58 cents for every $1 paid to white men. l Native Women’s Equal Pay Day is Nov. 30. Native women are paid 51 cents for every $1 paid to white men. l Latina’s Equal Pay Day is Dec. 8. Latinas are paid 54 cents for every $1 paid to white men.

Pay Awareness Day is June 15. Without enough data to make calculations, this day raises awareness about the wage gap that LGBTQIA+ folks experience.

“As a union of mostly women and people of color, NYSNA pauses to recognize Equal Pay Day,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN. “We understand that women and people of color are particularly vulnerable to pay disparities. With each contract and each negotiation, we are mindful of the gender pay gap and understand the importance of fair contracts in helping women earn what they need and deserve.”

Particularly Resonant

Equal Pay Day also has resonance for nurses. Although the nursing profession is overwhelmingly comprised of women, men in the nursing profession typically enjoy higher salaries. According to Nurse Journal, l Men report making an average of $7,300 more than women as registered nurses (RNs). l The gender pay gap is even more significant and closing more slowly for women of color, who collectively comprise less than 17% of the RN workforce. l Women RNs are paid 91 cents for every $1 men earn.

Persistent Disparities

These disparities have persisted over decades. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported “that women in 2020 earned only 82.3% of men’s annual earnings, compared to 57% in 1973.” And educational attainment doesn’t always narrow the gap. Having a union contract levels the playing field and reduces the gender pay gap. That’s why NYSNA will continue to fight for fair contracts that deliver good equitable pay.