Posted: | January 29, 2021 01:52 PM |
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From: | Representative Brian Sims and Rep. Tina M. Davis |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Modernizing Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay Law |
Imagine working and achieving success at a job you’ve held for years, only to learn a colleague in the same position has been paid a much higher wage. When two people work hard to perform the same duties, such wage inequity is unjust and inexcusable. Yet, this remains the reality for many workers, especially women. Our legislation will bring Pennsylvania’s antiquated Equal Pay Law up to date. Terms will be broadened to cover a larger number of employees and include additional fringe benefits. Employees will be protected from retaliation when seeking wage information and wages based on bona fide factors will be insured. Further, when employers violate the act, workers can collect unpaid wages. Workers should never be discouraged from seeking wage information from their employer or taking a stand when they are not receiving equal pay for equal work. They should not be forced to remain silent for fear of losing the income they need to support their family. Our outdated system must be fixed to ensure colleagues performing the same job and obeying workplace rules receive the same pay. To ensure women across all industries, in all jobs, get a fair chance at an equal wage, changes to our current law must be made. I ask you to join me and Representative Davis in co-sponsoring this crucial legislation. |
Introduced as HB819