Workplace Rights

Weekly (8/24/20)

Topic of the Week  Women's Equality Day

The History of Women’s Equality Day


At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 and passed in 1973,  the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.

Proclamation Designating August 26, 2017, as Women’s Equality Day  

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have historically been treated as second-class citizens and have often  been denied the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States; and 

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to ALL citizens equally, and 

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26, the anniversary date of the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which culminated a 72-year, non-violent campaign to extend the right to vote to women, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights: and 

WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the (name of elected body or elected official or commanding officer) recognizes the commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America won their right to vote, as an opportunity to continue to work for equal rights for ALL citizens. 

Thought of the Week

"On Women's Equality Day, we commemorate the 99th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment as part of the United States Constitution, which secured for women the right to vote. This historic event was the culmination of the decades-long struggle of courageous suffragists determined to ensure the right of women to shape the course of our Republic through the ballot box. On Women's Equality Day, we commemorate the efforts of those groundbreaking activists, celebrate the remarkable achievements of women, and reaffirm our commitment to equality under the law for all Americans."

–The American Presidency Project Presidential Proclamation 2019

Weekly Comic by Jerry King

Weekly Comic by Jerry King

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    from Economic Policy Institute

    CEO Pay Increase

    • Last year, annual CEO compensation at the United States’ top 350 firms grew to an average of $21.3 million, a 14% increase.
    • From 1978 to 2019, CEO compensation grew by a staggering 1,167%.
    • The compensation of a typical worker rose just 13.7% during that entire period.

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