April 10 is National Equal Pay Day. In order for women to earn as much as men did in 2017, they would have to work from January 2017 until April 10, 2018. It takes 15 and half months for women to earn the same salary that men earn in 12 months.
In Kalamazoo, women earn almost 91 percent of what their male counterparts make, in Grand Rapids about 89.5 percent and 78 percent in Muskegon. Michigan ranks 20th nationally—paying women, on average, about 78 cents on the dollar.
These numbers were part of a research study compiled by the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP). They did analysis by both large cities and by county.
More than half of west Michigan families living under the poverty line are single mothers supporting at least one child. The gap is larger for African American women—who are paid on average 63 cents to every dollar. More than half of these women make minimum wage.
Gilda Jacobs, the CEO of MLPP, said this is an employer issue, but one that lawmakers can also help repair.
Jacobs said policies like eliminating tipping minimum wage, better access to quality child care, raising minimum wage and designated paid sick days would help close the gap.
"You know, these are all things we hoped employers would do on their own, [but] they haven’t. So, we would like to see some legislation passed, so people can care for themselves or their family without risking losing money, or even their job. “
Jacobs said West Michigan has narrowed the gap over the years, but there still needs to be a greater effort statewide.
“Businesses are starting to step up, but we really need to have this at a much greater level than just businesses here and there," Jacobs said.
In Grand Rapids, the Women's Resource Center works to ensure, in the meantime, that women are able to overcome workforce barriers.
Linda Dietrich, the center's communications director, said women at any point in their career can walk through their door and ask for help.
The GRWRC offers programs free of charge to help women with things like building a resume, dressing for an interview, negotiating a raise or developing tech skills.
When it comes to pay negotiation, Dietrich said: "The best thing you can do is get data together about your worth, and show how you have helped the company."
“Employers are beginning to understand: if I put in investment into developing women in management and leadership roles—in the long run—it's really going to benefit my company," Dietrich said. "And there are studies to prove that. A more diverse workforce is good for business."
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