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One to Keep An Eye On: Equal Pay for Team USA Act (U.S. Congress)

 

As with many labor & employment law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


Some readers might be diligently watching the Olympics every evening (or morning, depending upon your schedule).  As a bit of a tie in with the Olympic events, a recent piece of legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress by Senators Maria Cantwell and Shelly Moore Capito which seeks to obtain equal pay for all members of the U.S. Olympic team.

The legislation, aptly named the Equal Pay for Team USA Act, would ensure equal pay for all U.S. athletes that compete in international sporting events, regardless of gender.  The legislation further stipulates that all athletes would be entitled to equal medical care, travel budgets, and reimbursement of expenses.

Readers might recall that the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team has been the “poster child” for the equal pay fight among athletes in recent years.  Similar legislation was introduced in prior Congressional sessions but failed to advance.  Whether this iteration of the equal pay legislation advances very far remains to be seen.  However, with equal pay remaining a hot button issue, this increased attention could propel this legislation forward in the coming weeks and months.


For additional information:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2021/07/13/equal-pay-legislation-reintroduced-senate-days-before-tokyo-olympics/7948469002/

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