"Equal Play, Equal Pay". That's what the United States Womens' National Team wants from now on. Five members of the USWNT have filed a wage-discrimination action against the United States Soccer Federation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In the document, the World Champions demand a similar wage than their male counterparts, considering they generated nearly 20 million dollars more than the USMNT, but their wages are in some cases four times less than what the men get paid.
The Commission will conduct an investigation in order to determine whether the USWNT is entitled to receive a compensation for their efforts.
Team leaders Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn filed the document on behalf of all the World Cup Champions.
In an interview with NBC's TV show "Today", Solo referred to the action enforced by the team, and what's the motivation behind their actions.
"In this day and age, it's about equality. It's about equal rights. It's about equal pay. We're pushing for that. We believe now the time is right because we believe it's our responsibility for women's sports and specifically for women's soccer to do whatever it takes to push for equal pay and equal rights, and to be treated with respect," the goalkeeper stated.
Alex Morgan also shared her thoughts via her Facebook page.
Today, I joined my teammates to file an action with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions, accusing the US Soccer...
Posted by Alex Morgan on Jueves, 31 de marzo de 2016
The team, currently preparing for a couple of friendly games next week, has already booked their place in next summer's Olympic games, something that the men were uncapable to accomplish.
Reactions from former players have already started, and one that stands out belongs to "Captain America" himself: Landon Donovan.
#USWNT absolutely deserve to be treated fairly in all ways. Important to remember that these issues are/can be collectively bargained
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) March 31, 2016
Here are some reactions from fans, experts and former footballers
We stand behind our players in the stadium and we stand with them off the field. Our #USWNT deserve fair treatment. pic.twitter.com/61lcfmfCBp
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) March 31, 2016
@hopesolo Thank you all for taking a stand. Women have been economically marginalized for hundreds of years. #EqualMeansEqual
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 31, 2016
I’d love to see the next negotiated CBA pay #USWNT as much as #USMNT. https://t.co/K0coSnqsZp
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) March 31, 2016
There are some very good arguments for US women to get equal pay to US men. "The WNT wins more" isn't at the top of the list.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 31, 2016
