Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Lilly Ledbetter, a champion for women’s equality and the namesake of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, passed away at the age of 86. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for pay equity will forever be remembered.
Born in Alabama, Ledbetter worked as a supervisor at a Goodyear tire plant and discovered she was being paid less than her male colleagues for the same work. This revelation sparked a 10-year legal battle for equal pay, culminating in a landmark victory that changed the course of history.
Ledbetter’s perseverance and determination led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which allows workers to seek relief for pay disparities dating back two years. President Barack Obama signed the act into law in 2009, honoring Ledbetter’s tireless efforts to secure equal pay for all.
In a heartfelt tribute, Obama praised Ledbetter for her courage and advocacy, emphasizing her impact on generations to come. Her story continues to resonate, with a movie based on her life and recent recognition from Advertising Week for her lifetime of activism on equal pay.
Ledbetter’s fight for fairness and justice serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the workplace. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who continue to fight for equal pay and opportunities for all.
As we remember Lilly Ledbetter, we honor her legacy and commit to carrying on her mission for a more equitable and just society. Thank you, Lilly, for your unwavering dedication to the cause of pay equity. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Lilly Ledbetter, the activist who inspired fair pay act, dies at 86 : NPR
Who was Lilly Ledbetter and what impact did she have on pay equity?
Lilly Ledbetter, a women’s equality activist, passed away at the age of 86. Her fight for pay equity led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. This monumental act aimed to address gender pay disparities in the workplace. (Source: NPR)
How did Lilly Ledbetter’s journey towards pay equity begin?
Employed as a supervisor at a Goodyear tire plant in Gadsden, Alabama in 1979, Ledbetter later discovered through an anonymous note that she was being paid less than her male counterparts in the same position. This revelation sparked her determination to fight for equal pay. (Source: NPR)
What legal battles did Lilly Ledbetter face in her pursuit of pay equity?
After retiring from Goodyear and filing a gender discrimination lawsuit in 1999, Ledbetter won her case in 2003. Despite being awarded over $3 million, the amount was reduced due to a statutory cap. Goodyear’s appeal to the Supreme Court led to a ruling that limited her back pay. (Source: NPR)
How did the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 change the landscape of pay equity?
Congress passed the Act, which amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow workers to seek relief for up to two years preceding the filing of a pay discrimination charge. President Barack Obama signed this historic measure into law, marking a significant step towards achieving gender pay equality. (Source: NPR)
What was the legacy of Lilly Ledbetter in the fight for pay equity?
Ledbetter’s advocacy and determination have been widely recognized, with her story continuing to inspire others. She was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Advertising Week for her activism on equal pay. Her impact is also being showcased in the film “Lilly,” which is being screened nationwide. (Source: NPR)