June 7, 2018
Office of the Governor
Tara Lee | tara.lee@gov.wa.gov
360.902.4136
Department of Labor &
Industries
Tim Church | tim.church@lni.wa.gov
360.902.5673
State’s new Equal Pay Opportunity Act takes effect
today
TUMWATER — Starting today in
Washington, employees are legally required to receive equal pay and
career advancement opportunities, regardless of gender. The changes are
a result of the Equal Pay Opportunity Act, sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn
and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in March. The new regulations
update Washington’s equal pay law, which was established in 1943.
The law has several elements that
require employers to provide equal compensation to “similarly employed”
workers along with equal opportunities for career advancement,
regardless of gender.
Under the law, “similarly employed”
means workers for the same employer doing work under similar conditions
with similar skills, effort and responsibility.
“There is still a lot of work remaining
to achieve true pay and opportunity equity for women in the workforce,”
Inslee said. “This bill tears away the ability of companies to shroud
salary and promotion decisions in secrecy. This makes it possible for
employees to discuss how those decisions are being made without fear of
retaliation.”
Along with equal pay and opportunity,
the new law states that employers cannot stop workers from disclosing
their wages to others, or require workers to sign non-disclosure
agreements about their wages.
The law also protects workers from
retaliation and firing for talking about wages with coworkers, and for
asking the employer to provide a reason for the employee’s wage or lack
of opportunity for advancement.
The Washington State Department of
Labor & Industries (L&I) is tasked with enforcing the new
measure. That includes taking complaints and investigating potential
violations.
“Gender discrimination at work just
shouldn’t happen. All workers should expect equal pay for equal work,”
said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “This law gives us the authority to
investigate and take action if needed, and we’re ready to do that.”
Employees can file complaints with
L&I about gender discrimination at work. The agency will
investigate complaints, and can charge employers fines, damages and
interest when violations are found. Employees can also take legal
action against an employer.
For more information about the new law
or to file a complaint, go to www.Lni.wa.gov/EqualPay or contact
L&I’s Employment Standards program at 360-902-4930 or esgeneral@Lni.wa.gov.
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