A new bill in Pennsylvania aims to provide women with additional protections regarding wage transparency and maternity leave impact on earning potential. The legislation, approved in the House of Representatives, seeks to amend the Equal Pay Act to address sex and race discrimination issues and ensure equivalent pay for comparable work, including for hourly minimum wage workers.
One key aspect of the bill is that employees taking family or medical leave will not lose seniority, which helps maintain their pay on par with their colleagues. This is especially significant for working mothers, who currently earn less on average compared to working fathers.
Recent federal data shows that women in Pennsylvania earn a median weekly salary that is 18 percentage points lower than their male counterparts. The Women’s Law Project highlights racial disparities as well, with Black and Latina women earning even less compared to men. Despite advancements, critics argue that the adjusted pay gap is smaller when factors like experience, education, and employment breaks are considered.
Critics also raise concerns about the potential costs associated with the bill, including penalties for violations and the expenses of enforcing the new regulations. Some legislators worry that small businesses may struggle to afford legal fees to address claims under the new provisions, which could impact economic growth.
Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards addressing wage disparities and promoting economic justice for women in Pennsylvania.
