The U.S. Senate passed Sen. Deb Fischer’s (R-NE) amendment on Tuesday that will prevent companies from penalizing employees for asking questions regarding salaries while also reinforcing the Equal Pay Act and Title VII, which prevent gender discrimination.
The Equal Pay Act and Title VII were originally passed in 1964 as part of the Civil Rights Act. The Equal Pay Act states that men and women in the same workplace must be given equal pay for equal work. Title VII makes it unlawful to discriminate against an employee based on sex regarding pay and/or benefits.
“I am pleased that the Senate took significant action to reaffirm our commitment to the principle of equal pay for equal work,” Fischer said. “Importantly, the Senate also took a step forward supporting needed updates to this important law.”
Fischer introduced a similar amendment last year, which did not pass. The legislation does not create or authorize any new federal rules or regulations. It does not require employers to disclose any type of salary information. The amendment does, however, prevent punitive action against employees seeking information.
“My amendment provides a reasonable, fact-based approach that will equip women and men alike with the knowledge and tools they need to fight gender-based wage discrimination,” Fischer said.