Lilly Ledbetter, the prominent women’s rights advocate whose campaign for pay equity led to the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, passed away on Saturday at the age of 86. Her death was confirmed on Monday by her speaking manager, Jodi Solomon, who described Ledbetter as a fierce crusader and a cherished friend who will be deeply missed.
Born in Jacksonville, Alabama, Ledbetter began her career as a supervisor at a Goodyear tire plant in Gadsden in 1979. She later learned through an anonymous note that she was earning less than her male counterparts in the same role. This revelation was a turning point for her, leading her to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after gathering her composure.
In 1998, Ledbetter initiated what would become a decade-long legal battle for pay equity. Although she retired less than a year after discovering the pay gap and filed a gender discrimination lawsuit in 1999, she faced significant challenges. By 2003, Ledbetter won her case and was initially awarded over $3 million; however, due to statutory limits, this amount was reduced to $300,000, with an additional $60,000 for back pay. Goodyear subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that her claim was only valid for 180 days before filing. In a 2007 decision, the Court sided with Goodyear in a narrow ruling.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, dissenting, asserted that Ledbetter’s case was not time-barred and urged Congress to address the issue. This spurred legislative action, leading to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009, which revised the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow workers to seek relief for up to two years before filing a charge. The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 29, 2009, marking it as his first signed legislation.
In a statement honoring Ledbetter on Sunday, Obama reflected on her legacy, emphasizing that she simply sought equal pay for equal work and highlighting her role as an advocate for workers’ rights. He expressed gratitude for her friendship and support for her ongoing fight for equity.
Throughout her life, Ledbetter was recognized for her relentless pursuit of pay equality, receiving accolades such as a Lifetime Achievement Award from Advertising Week. Her impactful story continues to inspire, as the film “Lilly,” based on her life, is screened nationwide.