EQUAL PAY ACT
Acceptable reasons to paying women less than men: Seniority, merit, productivity — but managers can give vague reasons, like personality, to hide gender discrimination.
Damages a plaintiff suing under the law is allowed: Retroactive pay for only the two previous years. No punitive damages, so no real deterrent for employers.
Disclosing your salary with fellow workers: Not protected. Currently, about 50 percent of private companies will fire you for doing so.
PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT
Acceptable reasons to paying women less than men: Seniority, merit, productivity — or a legitimate business reason, like having fewer credentials than a male colleague.
Damages a plaintiff suing under the law is allowed: Compensatory pay for two previous years (can include medical expenses or retirement benefits). Punitive damages allowed.
Disclosing your salary with fellow workers: Allows you to share salary and ask about pay policies, thus creating transparency.
