It’s a bold push for equal pay — on International Women’s Day.
It’s a bold push for equal pay — on International Women’s Day.
Time reports that every single member of the U.S. Women’s Soccer team is suing the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The suit claims that all 28 team members are not paid equally to men under the Equal Pay Act and Title XII of the Civil Rights Act.
The women allege they are not getting paid as much as the male national players.
“Each of us is extremely proud to wear the United States jersey, and we also take seriously the responsibility that comes with that. We believe that fighting for gender equality in sports is a part of that responsibility," forward Alex Morgan said in a statement.
"As players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gender."
Not only are the players seeking equal pay and treatment, they also want back pay.
The players’ union also issued a response.
“This lawsuit is an effort by the plaintiffs to address those serious issues through the exercise of their individual rights. For its part, the USWNTPA will continue to seek improvements in pay and working conditions through the labor-management and collective bargaining processes.”
According to Time, the U.S. Soccer Federation did not have an immediate comment.
This is not the first time the issue has been breached.
In 2016, a group of players filed suit with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging wage discrimination.
It resulted in contract negotiations and a collective bargaining agreement in 2017 that runs through 2021.
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