WASHINGTON, D.C. October 4, 2024 (Hudson Latin Chamber) — In continued recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, United States Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) announced his co-sponsorship of a resolution to recognize October 3 as Latina Equal Pay Day. The day recognizes that Latinas were paid just 51 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men in 2023.
In New Jersey, Latinas would have to work twice as many hours to earn the same living as their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts. Over the course of a 40-year career that is a loss of nearly $1 million in earnings. The wage gap persists even with higher education. A Latina with a bachelor’s degree in New Jersey earns significantly less than a white man with the same education. In 1989, Latinas made 52 cents for every dollar a non-white Hispanic man made. That’s barely a nickel increase in more than three decades.
“The fact that we’re still discussing extreme pay disparities among women of color in the United States is disheartening and disappointing,” said Senator Helmy. “I’m hopeful Latina Equal Pay Day will bring enough attention to this issue to inspire meaningful change in pay equity in New Jersey and nationwide. Latinas are essential to our workforce but frequently are not paid adequately for their labor as a result of discrimination, disproportionate representation in low-wage occupations, and other detrimental factors. I want to thank Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for leading this charge in the United States Senate. I am proud to stand alongside her, and my Senate colleagues in this fight for pay equality.”
“I would also like to recognize New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz for her leadership in fighting for important issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities of New Jersey,” continued Senator Helmy. “As the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate, Senator Ruiz has become a champion for expanding employment opportunities for underserved communities and advocating for mothers and babies across the state. It is a pleasure to know and to have worked with her in my time as Governor Phil Murphy’s Chief of Staff to advance the work for our Hispanic and Latino communities.”
“Latinas are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States. We are bringing new businesses to Main Street, innovative products to store shelves, and new ideas to boardrooms – all while uplifting ourselves and our communities. Despite this success, New Jersey Latinas are still only paid 46 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, one of the worst disparities in the nation. On this Latina Equal Pay Day we continue the fight for pay equality and policies that empower Latina workers in every industry,” said NJ Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz.
“Across the diverse neighborhoods of our cities, we all have witnessed firsthand stories of how bold, courageous Latina entrepreneurs continue to set positive examples for the generations that will come after them, and who continue to hold deep respect for those who came before them, women who faced obstacles at every level, but who nonetheless put everything on the line to pursue the American dream,” said the New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus. “These Latinas and those Latinas who work in their shops and fight hard to maintain and operate the sorts of small, Mom-and-Pop businesses that still keep our Main Streets humming deserve continued support in the face of long odds and pay inequity. Like those who came before them, this new generation of entrepreneurs and workers continue to make sacrifices to grow and maintain their shops and businesses, often while also raising their own children, and who continue to lift up their families and contribute to the health and economic stability of their neighborhoods. We stand with and salute them on Latina Equal Pay Day.”
“As an organization empowering Latinas, we highlight the wage gap Latinas face, earning just .46 cents for every dollar paid to white non-Hispanic men,” said Latina Civic Foundation Chair Andrea Martinez-Mejia. “We must push for stronger policies to close this gap and ensure pay equity for all. We thank Senator Helmy for his commitment to advocate for equal pay for Latinas.
“The Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce strongly endorses the Latina Pay Equity Resolution, recognizing October 3rd as Latina Equal Pay Day. This resolution shines a crucial spotlight on the persistent wage disparity affecting Latina workers. By acknowledging this inequality, we take a significant step towards fostering economic justice and empowering Latina professionals across our nation. Our Chamber is committed to supporting initiatives that promote fair compensation and equal opportunities for all members of our diverse community,”said Heidi Castrillon, President & CEO, Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
“We commend Senator Helmy for recognizing the importance of Latina Equal Pay within our community,” said Rosemarie Moyeno Matos, Esq, President of LUPE Fund. “LUPE Fund’s main goal is to ensure equality and equity for all Latinas. Today highlights the barriers Latinas face in the workplace. LUPE is a 21-year-old volunteer-led nonprofit organization that has been fighting to narrow the gap by offering educational programs and resources specifically targeted to Latinas and their families. On October 17th, we will host the Power of Latinas Conference at Montclair State University to empower Latinas and give them the tools necessary to get ahead in the workplace and be successful in their personal lives. To put all of this into perspective, the Rutgers Business School recently stated, ‘In 2018, the Gross Domestic Product of the state’s Hispanic community was $97 billion, larger than the entire economic output of the state of Hawaii.’ There’s no justification for discrimination against Latinas in the workforce.”
For the full text of the Latina Equal Pay Day Resolution, click here.
