Discrimination, determination, and legislation: Honoring the life and legacy of Lilly Ledbetter
October 25th, 2024
With Lilly Ledbetter’s passing on October 12, 2024 at age 86, our county has lost an unwavering advocate and champion for pay equity.
Nearly a year after retiring from her position at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Ledbetter discovered she had been subjected to gross pay inequity, earning significantly less than her male counterparts. She set out to rectify the matter, and her journey took her to the EEOC, the U.S. Supreme Court, and ultimately to Congress passing legislation bearing her name. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 was the first bill President Obama signed after being inaugurated. The bill amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and allowed workers to obtain relief, including recovery of up to two years of lost back pay.
Although Ledbetter was never financially compensated for the harm Goodyear caused, her persistence and the eventual legislative outcome have impacted thousands of women nationwide, allowing them to legally challenge unequal pay in their workplaces. In her 70s, Ledbetter continued to devote much energy to the cause—speaking out, writing a book about her experience, and inspiring individuals across the country, often stating that “equal pay for equal work is an American value.”
Halunen Law salutes Lilly Ledbetter’s enduring legacy and fearless fight for fair and equal pay for women.