DETROIT —The UAW commends President Obama for taking action to close the wage gap for women. Today is Equal Pay Day and it is remarkable that in 2014, women still only earn 77 cents on every dollar compared to men. By signing this executive order, President Obama is standing up for American women, banning retaliation against employees of federal contractors for disclosing or inquiring about their wages and requiring federal contractors to submit data on compensation paid to employees.

The disclosure of compensation for federal contractors will encourage voluntary compliance with equal pay laws and help crack down on employers who discriminate.  The UAW has a long history of supporting women earning equal pay for equal work.

“I am proud to stand with the president as he stands up for working women. This is an important milestone in the fight for economic fairness for women and a victory for all working families,” said UAW President Bob King.

President Obama has consistently been a champion for women in the workplace. The very first piece of legislation he signed into law after taking office was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

“This is a step in the right direction and we call on Congress to take action to ensure that all working American women are not subjected to pay discrimination simply by nature of their gender and to ensure that all American women are paid a living wage for their work,” said King.