GLASS Report: Legislative Action Alert: House Bill 1890: Regular Session 2013-2014 - PA General Assembly (UPDATED April 7, 2014)

Text [History] [Votes]

Short Title: An Act amending the act of December 17, 1959 (P.L.1913, No.694), known as the Equal Pay Law, further providing for wage rates.

Prime Sponsor:  Representative MOLCHANY

Last Action:  Resolution to discharge committee from further consideration of this bill presented, April 7, 2014

Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, Jan. 2, 2014 [House]

Memo: Workplace Opportunity

Printer's No.	Text	(H) Amendments	(S) Amendments	(H) Fiscal Note	(S) Fiscal Note
2835*

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	November 25, 2013 09:39 AM
From:	Representative Erin Molchany and Rep. Brian Sims
To:	All House members
Subject:	Workplace Opportunity

In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation amending Act 694 of 1959 on the issue of equal pay in the workplace. Act 694 was a landmark piece of legislation that started our state down a path of equality in the workplace for all Pennsylvanians.  But the law must be updated to reflect the current reality and the fact that much work still needs to be done for women working in this state. To further clarify that equal work should result in equal pay, this legislation will reinforce the conditions under which employers can pay different wages because of a “factor other than sex” and strengthen protections for those attempting to bring a case against their employer. Under this legislation, factors considered in equal pay defense are more clearly defined to ensure they are not based on or arrived from sex-based differences. Bona fide factors other than sex include education, training, or experience.  Additionally, this legislation provides increased protection against discrimination or discharge when an employee has filed a complaint against an employer under the act. Furthermore, important protections are provided in circumstances where employees have inquired about, discussed or disclosed wage information. This bill is part of the Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health, a comprehensive proposal to address the real issues affecting Pennsylvania women today. Should you have any questions about this legislation, please feel free to reach out to Alex Pazuchanics at apazuchanics@pahouse.net or Mason Lane at mlane@pahouse.net. We hope you will join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation.