What is mass Equal Pay Act?

Employers under the law cannot pay an employee of a different gender less if he or she performs “comparable work.” The Massachusetts Equal Pay Act defines “comparable work” as work that requires “substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility and is performed under similar working conditions.” The statute also …

Is the Equal Pay Act a federal or state law?

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) is a federal law that prohibits pay discrimination on the basis of sex. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency charged with enforcing this and other employment discrimination laws. EPA amended the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

How do I report unequal pay?

Please see www.dfeh.ca.gov or call 1-800- 864-1684 or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at www.eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000. As indicated above, the Labor Commissioner’s Office does handle claims under the Equal Pay Act alleging unequal pay (based on sex, race, or ethnicity).

Can you ask salary expectations in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is the first state to prohibit potential employers from asking about applicants’ salary history before making a job offer. Employees are free to share their salaries with potential employers at any time if they so choose but they cannot be compelled to do so.

Is there an equal pay law in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has had an equal pay law since 1945, but its equal pay standard has been narrowly interpreted by the courts, Baer said. The existing law essentially requires a plaintiff to show “unequal pay for equal work,” according to Mark Burak, an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Boston.

When does the new Massachusetts pay equity law take effect?

Employers in Massachusetts will need to update their job applications to remove salary inquiries to comply with a new law signed on Aug. 1.

Is it illegal to ask about your salary history in Massachusetts?

Salary histories have been banned in Massachusetts prior to job offers. Employers in Massachusetts will need to update their job applications to remove salary inquiries to comply with a new law signed on Aug. 1.