Laws Improve Working Conditions

Changes in Legislation expanded equality and inclusion in the work place. Laws regulated labor relations and the enforcement of nondiscriminatory policies. While far from perfect, working conditions for women improved.

Women gather to mark the historic signing of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by President Kennedy.

Courtesy of AR7965-A. President John F. Kennedy at Equal Pay Act Signing, Abbie Rowe. White House photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston. (10 June 1963.) (Public Domain)

1938 Fair Labor Standards Act:

Regulated maximum hours, minimum wages, overtime pay, and prohibits child labor.

1941 Fair Employment Practice Commission:

Directed at racial discrimination in defense and government jobs.

1959 Ohio Civil Rights Commission:

Enforced state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and accommodations.

1963 Equal Pay Act:

Illegal to pay women less than men simply on the basis of sex.

1964 Civil Rights Act:

Prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, color, and religion.

1964 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:

Investigative and enforcement arm of the Civil Rights Act.

1964 Title VII:

Anti-discrimination, prohibited sexual harassment and gender stereotyping.

1972 Title IX of Education Act:

Prohibited discrimination and sexual harassment in federally funded educational programs.

1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act:

Prohibited discrimination based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

1993 Family and Medical Leave Act:

Protection for up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave for family illnesses/childcare/adoption.