Welcome: 

Montana became a national leader when the 1919 Legislature passed our state’s equal pay law. Since then, women have increasingly become the primary breadwinners for their families. But here in Montana, women still earn less than their male coworkers.

I believe ALL Montanans deserve equal pay for equal work. That’s why, early into my administration, I created the Equal Pay for Equal Work Montana Task Force to take this challenge head-on.

Since Day One, Montana working families have been my top priority. Equal pay supports our businesses, economy, and most importantly – working families. We need to make sure our economy works for everyone and all Montanans have the same opportunities to prosper.

Equal pay is not just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. Research shows that employees work harder when there’s paycheck transparency and businesses gain a competitive advantage in the hiring market by ensuring pay equity. We also know that good family leave policies reduce costly turnover and improve productivity.

Pay equity is incredibly important to me and my family, and to Montana’s hardworking families. When the Equal Pay for Equal Work Montana Task Force began its work in 2013, Montana women earned 68.4 percent of the median earnings of their male coworkers. Today, that gap has narrowed to 73.2 percent. The task force has taken steps to narrow the gender wage gap through wage negotiation trainings, business outreach, and championing policies that can lead to shrinking the pay gap.

I’m proud of that work and the progress we’ve made, but it’s clear the fight to close the gender pay gap is not over.

Equal pay for equal work is about putting more money in the pockets of Montana families. When female breadwinners are on a level playing field, that money is dispersed throughout the entire Montana economy – creating better jobs and more economic opportunity. Especially in an uncertain economic climate, Montanans can’t afford anything less than a fair wage for a hard day’s work.  

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK
Governor 

 

 

Take the Pledge for Equal Pay for Equal Work

TAKE THE PLEDGE

By taking the Equal Pay Pledge you commit to improving Montana’s economy by helping eliminate the wage gap. You will receive information on wage negotiation, best business practices, and will be added to our list of partners.

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STEM

Science|Technology|Engineering|Math

STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning to compete in the new economy. The wage gap in STEM related occupations are smaller. Women in STEM fields are closing the skills gap and the wage gap.

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WAGE NEGOTIATION

Studies show that both men and women are uncomfortable with wage negotiation, but women are far more uncomfortable, often resulting in significantly lower pay. Find resources to help you navigate through the workforce in ways that are efficient, effective, and beneficial.

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BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES

Competitive fair pay is critical for recruiting and retaining high quality performers—giving your business a market advantage by improving productivity, profitability, and morale.

 

EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK TASK FORCE | MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
301 S. PARK AVE. | PO BOX 200501 | HELENA, MT 59620-0501 

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