October 29, 2020

12 noon – 1pm 

Daley Center Plaza Chicago, IL

First, a quick recap, this year will be the 10th time the Equal Pay Day coalition has gathered to raise awareness of the gender pay gap.  Since starting in 2010, we’ve all seen a greater awareness of the problem and an appetite to work for change.  Even our coalition's growth from a dozen members to over 70 shows the spotlight is working.  We made an impact too.  Our state finally passed the #NoSalaryHistory ban.  Last year, 11 states passed equal pay reforms.  Even Alabama passed its first ever piece of equal pay legislation.

The time has come to go deeper into the issue.  We need to shift the conversation from the average pay gap, to seeing that the compounding effects of race and gender contribute to even wider pay gaps for many of our sisters.  Therefore, as a show of solidarity, we will gather on the last equal pay day of 2020.  Previously we publicly gathered on the Equal Pay Day that marks the “average” gap in the spring.  This year, we will gather in the fall to mark Latina Equal Pay Day.  
 
In addition to being the right time for this change, Chicago is the right place to move the conversation. 
 
Chicago and Cook County are uniquely situated to shift the conversation.  Women of color lead here.  Just look at our government where black or brown women hold the five highest elected offices—Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, President of the County Board, and County Clerk.  At the state level, we are served by our Lt. Governor and Comptroller.
 
Here in Chicago, we say “not without my sister” because our work is not done until every woman is fairly compensated with equal pay for equal work.
 
Therefore, we are moving Equal Pay Day Chicago to October 29, which is Latina Equal Pay Day.