Bill > S607

This bill proposes the North Carolina Equal Pay Act, which aims to prevent gender-based wage discrimination by establishing comprehensive protections for employees. The legislation defines "comparable work" as jobs requiring substantially similar skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, and prohibits employers from paying different wages to employees of different genders for comparable work. The bill allows wage variations only under specific circumstances, such as seniority systems, merit systems, production-based measurements, geographic location, job-related education or experience, and travel requirements. Additionally, the act makes it unlawful for employers to prevent employees from discussing wages, screen job applicants based on salary history, seek prior wage information from previous employers, or retaliate against employees who discuss wage disparities or file complaints. Employers found in violation can be liable for unpaid wages, and employees can pursue legal action within three years of a violation, potentially receiving attorney's fees and court costs. The bill requires employers to post workplace notices about these rights and will become effective on January 1, 2026, marking a significant step towards ensuring pay equity in North Carolina.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S607