Share this:

This blog highlights the new Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Administrative Policy for the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). As of January 1, there are new legal requirements for compensation transparency in job postings of most public and private employers.

Taking Steps Toward Workplace Gender Equality

The Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA), Chapter 49.58 RCW, prohibits gender pay discrimination and promotes workplace fairness by addressing employment practices that contribute to gender-based income disparities. Last year the legislature passed ESSB 5761, amending the EPOA, as summarized in this MRSC blog, 2022 Legislative Updates to Personnel Laws — Salary and Leave.

The legislative intent in first enacting and then amending the EPOA includes taking steps towards gender equality by requiring employers to provide compensation and benefits information to applicants and employees and by prohibiting employers from seeking the wage or salary history of an applicant for employment in certain circumstances. According to RCW 49.58.005, there continues to be a gap in wages and advancement opportunities among workers in Washington, especially women. Historically, women have been offered lower initial pay than men for the same jobs even where their levels of education and experience are the same or comparable.

New L&I Administrative Policy

The new L&I Administrative Policy ES.E.1 (issued November 30, 2022)...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiYGh0dHBzOi8vbXJzYy5vcmcvc3Rhe...