Women's Equality Day

In 1973, the United States Congress designated August 26th Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women’s right to vote. This has become a day to celebrate all women have done making process towards equity while recognizing how far there is still to go.

Supporting women in the workplace was not guaranteed with the right to vote. The Policy Group on Tradeswomen Issues works to get more women into trade careers, visit their site for more information on Women in Trades across the globe. In Philadelphia, the Women in Non-Traditional Careers initiative is getting the word out to young women about how to enter the trades. Visit their website https://philaworks.org/winc/ for more information and to listen to their podcast.

PA AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale commented on the importance of the day. “Today we recognize Women’s Equality Day.” President Bloomingdale said. “For too long, women have been subjected to unequal treatment, unequal wages, and an unequal retirement, unless they have a union.  Today we recommit to the fight to eliminate those inequities and make sure everyone is treated equally.” 

“Workers should look to organized labor when considering equality,” said PA AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder. “Incredibly, in 2020, women do not realize the same compensation for the work they perform, unless a union collective bargaining agreement is in place.”

Below, a few sisters comment on why voting and being in a union are essential for women's equality. 

Gwendolen Gibson is a SEPTA Rail equipment maintainer and an Executive Board Member with TWU local 234. "As a woman, it is important to value the ability to vote because so many fought and sacrificed for that right, without that step, there wouldn't be a place for me as a Tradeswoman today."

Hillary Linardopoulos is a Legislative Representative with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. "The right to vote is a cornerstone of our society," Linardopoulos said, "and along with labor organizing, is a powerful tool to bring about change. The women's suffrage movement brought forth what I've been fortunate to know my entire life—that I have the right to vote." Reflecting on recent calls for racial equity across the nation Linardopoulos added that, "for far too long, Black women's right to vote was not guaranteed by the 19th Amendment. And still today, the current occupant of the White House is doing all he can to suppress the voting rights of Black and brown people. This systemic racism permeates nearly every facet of society. Being a woman in the labor movement at a pivotal time in our nation's history and playing a small part in the fight for equity and justice in our society is a privilege that I do not take lightly. We have come far, but we have miles to go."

Miranda Thompson is a Philadelphia Federation of Teachers' member and building representative for Constitution High School in Philadelphia. "I am in awe of the sacrifices of our foremothers in securing our right to vote," Thompson said about this historic day, "along with their tireless activism over the last century fighting for equal pay, increased safety measures and labor protections, and fighting for the health, education, and advancement of our children. I encourage all women to honor their legacy and celebrate this historic anniversary by voting this November 3 in person or by mail."

Are you ready to vote?

Go to https://www.workersfirstvoteunion.org/to make sure you're ready, registered, and empowered to vote.