Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) on Monday would allow employees to discuss compensation with colleagues in an effort to ensure equal compensation for equal work.
The Workplace Advancement Act, H.R. 5237, would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 in an effort to enhance equal pay requirements.
“Currently, employers can prohibit employees from discussing compensation with other employees, under any circumstances, in and outside of the workplace,” Jenkins said. “By amending the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, we can empower employees to discuss their compensation for the sake of equal pay for equal work without the fear of being reprimanded or terminated. This measure is a great step forward in promoting an America that rewards merit, not gender.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced S. 2200, the Senate version of the Workplace Advancement Act, which was introduced last October. U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rob Portman (R-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) cosponsored the measure.
“I’m pleased to see Congresswoman Jenkins introduce this important companion legislation,” Fischer said. “Equal pay for equal work is a basic American principle, but barriers remain to ensuring all workers have the knowledge they need to be their own best advocates. It’s very simple: if you want to know how your salary compares to your coworkers, you should have every right to ask. Through our legislative efforts, Congress will now have the opportunity to update the Equal Pay Act for the first time in 50 years. Together, we can make progress and empower workers across the country to advocate for the salaries they deserve.”
Approximately half of workers are discouraged or prohibited from discussing compensation, and pay secrecy “appears to contribute to the gender gap in earnings,” according to a survey by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.