Lilly Ledbetter Dies: Equal Pay Advocate Remembered

Lilly Ledbetter, an icon of the equal pay movement, passed away at 86 after a brief illness. Her lawsuit against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for wage discrimination brought national attention to gender pay inequity, despite the Supreme Court ruling against her in 2007 due to the timing of her complaint. This led to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, signed by President Barack Obama as his first legislative act, which allows workers to sue within 180 days of receiving each discriminatory paycheck. Ledbetter's case highlighted significant wage disparities, with her earning significantly less than her male counterparts, and although she never received the compensation initially awarded by a jury, her advocacy paved the way for legislative change. Her death has prompted tributes from leaders including President Joe Biden and former President Obama, who recognized her as a fearless leader who inspired ongoing efforts to close the gender wage gap. Ledbetter's legacy continues to influence gender equality discussions and legislative efforts aimed at securing fair pay for all workers.