LUNA Bar Moves U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team One Step Closer to Equal Pay
Nutrition Bar Brand Ensures Women’s World Cup Roster Bonus Equals Men’s
On Equal Pay Day, LUNA Bars did something extraordinary.
While some companies only believe in the words Equal Pay for Equal Work — and a few organizations might not even be able to say the words clearly — LUNA Bar, is different. Luna Bar offers more than belief on this ultra-important subject.
EQUALITY CAN’T WAIT FOR SOMEDAY.
With the belief that equality can’t wait for someday to happen, and in a clear effort to let people know where they stand, LUNA Bar stepped up with a donation to the players of the U.S. Women’s National Team, closing a pay gap between their 2019 World Cup compensation and the players on the U.S. Men’s National Team.
The fact that Luna had to close the key gap between the Women’s National Team (USWNT) 2019 World Cup compensation and the players on the U.S. Men’s National Team is still difficult to swallow. Why should there even be a perceived gap in pay?
When the twenty-eight members of the world champion U.S. Women’s Soccer Team filed a gender discrimination lawsuit in March, the players were speaking out for equal treatment.
Believing in equality and equal pay for equal work, LUNA Bar is giving each of the 23 women named to the 2019 USWNT World Cup team $31,250 — the amount of the difference between the women’s and men’s World Cup roster bonus.
In 2016, the players of the USWNT made history when they demanded equal pay. Their fight continues today, as several inequalities remain, such as the World Cup roster bonus awarded to any U.S. soccer player, woman or man, named to the World Cup team.
Someday is now.
In 2019, each USWNT player was set to receive $31,250 LESS than their counterparts on the men’s team—until now. LUNA Bar has partnered with the U.S. Women’s National Team Player’s Association (USWNTPA) to make its donation directly to each of the 23 players.
“When LUNA Bar approached us in January to support and recognize the USWNT players in this way, I was speechless,” said USWNTPA Executive Director Becca Roux.
“Many brands raising awareness for equal pay use the USWNT’s fight as an example, but don’t go the extra step to offer a solution to the problem,” said Roux. “LUNA Bar has a long history of supporting women’s equality and is truly walking the walk by maximizing the amount of money going directly to the players and intentionally closing one of their pay gaps.”
“It’s ironic that one of the most popular sports in the world is still experiencing pay inequalities between women and men,” said Clif Bar & Company Owner and Co-CEO Kit Crawford. “We are big fans of the U.S. Women’s National Team and were inspired to take action and make a difference that matters. LUNA Bar is honored to give these women, and women everywhere, our support. It’s what is right, but more importantly, it’s what they deserve.”
All women deserve equal pay for equal work, whether working in an office or playing soccer on a global stage.
By making their experience public, the players of the USWNT became advocates, mentors and role models. While closing the pay gap does not solve all the “institutionalized gender discrimination” issues the USWNT players feel have existed for years, it goes a long way to making a big difference.
Our nation’s women’s team has earned three World Cup championships and four Olympic gold medals. They are national heroes.
While the problem of pay inequality is not just in the game of soccer or even all sports, it is an issue that should have been solved long ago. One thing is obvious. Everyone should support those who stand up for fairness, especially those you chose to make a real difference.
When I get a snack for my player, I am choosing a Cliff or Luna Bar.
Since 1999, LUNA Bar has always stood for more than just nutritious food. With a strong heritage of supporting women, LUNA Bar has supported important causes that women care about, like equal pay and women in film.
LUNA Bar champions change and demands that women’s equality be a right, not an option.
LUNA® Bar and LUNA® Protein are non-GMO, gluten-free and made with organic ingredients, such as organic oats. Available in 17 delicious flavors, LUNA Bar and LUNA Protein can be found at most stores.
