Bill Summaries: H578 (2015-2016 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Apr 6 2015 - View summary

    Adds new Article 2B, Families' Economic Security Act, to GS Chapter 95. Prohibits an employer from paying any person in the employer's employ at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of the opposite sex in the same establishment for the same quantity and quality of the same classification of work. Makes an employer committing a violation liable in the amount of the wages that the employee is deprived because of the violation. Allows a variation in pay rates for male and female employees under specified good-faith circumstances, including when the difference is based on a difference in length of service, ability, or skill, or difference in duties or services performed. Prohibits reducing the pay of any employee in order to bring the employer into compliance and prohibits retaliation against an employee who is seeing redress or participating in an investigation. Specifies the process under which an affected employee may file a complaint with the Department of Labor. Allows an aggrieved employee to recover in a civil action the balance of the wages owed and costs and attorneys' fees. Requires a civil action to be instituted within two years after the date that the alleged violation is discovered.