“Fair Pay Matters” – Lilly Ledbetter to Speak at American Association of University Women Luncheon at Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center – February 25

Scottsdale, AZ (January 13, 2010) – The Scottsdale branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Scottsdale Community College are proud to host a luncheon honoring Lilly Ledbetter on February 25, 2010 at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. 

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first piece of legislation signed by newly elected President Barack Obama in January, 2009, was the result of Ledbetter’s efforts to change the statute of limitations for complaints filed by employees regarding pay discrimination.

Ledbetter, now age 71, was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for almost 19 years.  Shortly before her retirement in 1998, Ledbetter learned that her salary was lower than three of her male counterparts doing the same job.  Ledbetter knew that her salary would translate to retirement payments and social security benefits that were also lower than what her counterparts would receive.  She filed a complaint with the EEOC under the Equal Pay Act of 1963.  Goodyear then assigned Ledbetter to the job of lifting heavy tires (at that time she was in her 60’s). 

She then filed a lawsuit against Goodyear and was awarded 3.3 million by the jury, later to be reduced to $360,000.  Goodyear filed an appeal and the case went to the Supreme Court.  The 5-4 decision handed down cited the statute of limitations -- a complaint must be filed within 180 days from the first discriminating paycheck, thus her time to file her dispute had expired.  She walked away with nothing. 

The Fair Pay Act signed by President Obama effectively removes the former time limitations.  It states that those who file pay discrimination disputes have 180 days after receiving any discriminatory paycheck.

“Inequity in the workplace affects not only women, but also families, and in the end, hurts us all,” said Jane Adrian, president of AAUW-Scottsdale.

Please join AAUW and Scottsdale Community College to hear Lilly Ledbetter speak at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale on February 25 at 10:30am.  To find out how to sponsor or attend the luncheon, call (480) 275-4040.   

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Scottsdale Community College offers over 1,500 academic and non-credit classes each semester. Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the campus is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful plant and wildlife. With nearly 12,000 students, Scottsdale Community College is proud to offer high-quality, affordable programs in small class settings. From Motion Picture/Television Production and Culinary Arts to Nursing and American Indian Studies, students have a wide variety of programs from which to earn credits for university transfer, launch their careers, train for new ones, or pursue a special interest. The SCC Business Institute offers customized programs to meet the needs of local business. Scottsdale Community College is one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

To learn about the many academic programs at Scottsdale Community College, call us at (480) 423-6000 or visit our website at www.scottsdalecc.edu.

American Association of University Women (AAUW), with its nationwide network of more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 500 college and university partners, has been a leading advocate for equity and education for women and girls for over 125 years. Founded in the U. S. in 1881 and known until recently as the American Association of University Women, AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The Scottsdale Branch has more than 160 members from Scottsdale and adjoining communities and is proudly celebrating its 47th year. It actively supports the AAUW mission through educational events for members and the public and through its special interest groups.  More information about the organization and membership can be found on its websites, www.aauw.org and www.aauwscottsdale.org.

Media contact:
Denise Kronsteiner
(480) 423-6567
denise.kronsteiner@sccmail.maricopa.edu