Updated 6/5/12 at 3:57 p.m.:
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans have blocked a bill that calls for equal pay in the workplace.
As expected, the vote Tuesday fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation. President Obama and his Democratic allies argue that the legislation is needed to protect people who try to find out how their pay stacks up against their coworkers. Republicans said it puts too much burden on employers.
The vote was the latest effort by Democrats to protect their lead among critical women voters this presidential and congressional election year. Republicans are focusing on the No. 1 concern for all voters: jobs and the economy.
Obama strongly supports the bill. Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has not taken a stand but his campaign says he favors pay equity in the workplace.
_________________________________________________
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats are courting female voters by pushing a bill that calls for equal pay in the workplace.
SEE ALSO: Did Obama Wimp Out In Wisconsin?
Democrats say women now earn on average 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man and that the bill would require companies to show that differences in wages are not based on gender. It also would prohibit retaliation against employees who reveal their own wages or seek details about their employers’ pay policies.
Republicans say the legislation would place unnecessary burdens on businesses.
The measure is not expected to win the 60 votes needed to advance Tuesday. It is a device Democrats are using to try to protect their political advantage among critical women voters in this year’s presidential and congressional elections.
Tell us!
Senate GOP Blocks Democrats’ Fair Pay Bill was originally published on newsone.com
