STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE LIZ MALIA REGARDING FAIR PAY LEGISLATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Arturo Natella - 413-595-1059
June 2, 2016
STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE LIZ MALIA REGARDING
FAIR PAY LEGISLATION
Today, we make history by providing fairness and equity at the workplace for all the citizens of the commonwealth. This legislation gives employers a much-needed definition of comparable work and includes some business-friendly measures, so that companies have the preemptive opportunity to justly fix pay inequities before facing potential wage discrimination claims. The bill protects individuals from having to reveal their pay history during job interviews, a practice that reinforces the cycle of pay discrimination for women and people of color. Under the bill, employees can safely discuss their wages with other colleagues, promoting salary transparency without fear of facing termination. In 1945, we passed the nation’s first legislation addressing the gender pay gap. After 70 years of women in Massachusetts earning 82¢ for every $1 men make, or $11,152 less on average per year, the passage of this bill will finally help to close the gap, and women will be paid the salary they deserve.
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