EC Commission on the Status of Women Plans “Unhappy Hour” to Raise Awareness, Empower Women with Negotiating Tools

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women has announced that it will present an “Unhappy Hour” in honor of Pay Equity Day on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 5:30 pm at Templeton Landing to commemorate National Equal Pay Day. In 2011, women earned only 77% of what men earned; National Equal Pay Day is a date that symbolizes how far into 2013 women must work to earn what men earned in 2012.

“The time for pay equity between genders is long past, and I encourage both women and men to participate in this event and learn what they can do to promote this overdue change,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “It is a disgrace that in 2013, women are still only earning roughly three- quarters as much as their male counterparts. This is a glaring disparity that needs to be corrected and is just one reason why I support the Women’s Equality Act proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.””

The purpose of “Unhappy Hour” is to raise awareness on the issue of pay equity and to provide networking opportunities and tools that will empower participants in negotiating pay that reflects their worth. The event, which is free and open to women and men 21 years of age and above, will feature a brief presentation from Althea Luehrsen, Executive Director of Leadership Buffalo and an expert on pay equity, who will discuss the issue, the obstacles in women’s way, and tips to navigate around those obstacles.

“The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women works to provide appropriate and meaningful information to women and girls throughout Erie County to help them reach their full potential,” said Commissioner of Public Advocacy Sawrie Becker. “Providing awareness about the issue of pay equity, the fact that it continues to exist and the serious economic impact it has on women in our community is part of our mission and we are pleased to lead this collaborative effort.”

Participants are encouraged to wear the color red, the color of pay equity, to be entered in a drawing to win a door prize. Additionally, women will enjoy discounted drinks, representative of the pay disparity between men and women. Unhappy Hour is made possible through the partnership of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, Canisius College Women’s Business Center, American Association of University Women, the Junior League of Buffalo, WNY Women’s Foundation, and Templeton Landing.

“Unhappy Hour” Event to Spotlight Income Disparity:

Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 (Pay Equity Day)

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Landing, Buffalo NY

Registration/Reservations:   http://2013unhappyhourbuffalo.eventbrite.com    or 858-8307

For more information on the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, visit http://www2.erie.gov/csw/