HARRISBURG, PA — On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 98, also known as the Equal Pay Law, aimed at expanding protections against wage discrimination based on gender, race, or ethnicity. Sponsored by state Reps. Donna Bullock, Melissa Shusterman, and Jenn O’Mara, the bill seeks to amend the Equal Pay Law of 1959 to address issues of pay disparity and ensure fair compensation for all workers.
The legislation, which narrowly passed with a vote of 102-99, introduces several key provisions to combat wage inequality. Notably, it prohibits employers from offering lower wages to employees based on discriminatory factors and strengthens protections against retaliation towards employees who file complaints. It also proposes a significant increase in monetary penalties for violations, raising fines from the current range of $50-$200 to $2,500-$5,000.
An important feature of H.B. 98 is its emphasis on pay transparency. Under this bill, employers would be required to disclose the expected compensation or salary range for any publicly advertised job position, as well as to prospective employees upon reasonable request. This measure aims to shed light on compensation practices and facilitate fairer wage negotiations.
The bill’s sponsors have articulated the critical need for such legislation, highlighting the persistent wage gap that disproportionately affects women and people of color in the workforce. Rep. Bullock, representing Philadelphia, characterized the bill as a step toward economic justice, emphasizing the goal to eradicate wage disparity and ensure equal pay for equal work across Pennsylvania.
Rep. Shusterman, from Chester County, underscored the broader economic implications of addressing the pay gap, suggesting that ensuring equal pay could inject an additional $482 billion into the U.S. economy. She pointed out the potential to significantly reduce poverty among working women and single mothers simply by compensating them fairly for their labor.
Echoing this sentiment, Rep. O’Mara, hailing from Delaware County, focused on the gender pay gap’s impact on working mothers. She argued that achieving gender equity in the workplace is essential for closing this gap and enabling families to make decisions free from financial constraints imposed by discriminatory pay practices.
The passage of House Bill 98 marks a pivotal moment in Pennsylvania’s legislative history, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of wage equality and the need for concrete measures to achieve it. If approved by the Senate, this legislation could set a precedent for other states to follow, paving the way for a more equitable and just labor market nationwide.
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