The New Jersey Assembly and Senate passed a Comprehensive Equal Pay Bill (S104) that will provide important New Protections for Workers.

The Bill has been sent to the New Gov. Phil Murphy (D) who said he would Sign the Equal Pay Legislation.

The Legislation is Advancing after years of Failed attempts by Democrats to get the Bill signed into Law. Former Gov. Chris Christie (R) Vetoed similar Legislation, saying current Law covers Gender-based Pay Discrimination and that there was no need for New Jersey to go further than the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

Current Law bars Workplace Discrimination based on Sex. But the Legislation would make it Unlawful for Employers to Discriminate against those Protected by Current Law by Paying them Less for substantially similar work than those who are not.

Lawmakers hailed the Bill's passage as a step in the right direction.

"Equal pay is vital for hardworking families in New Jersey, many of which increasingly rely on women's earnings to make ends meet," Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-11th District) said in a Statement.

The Legislation also would Bar Employer Reprisals on Workers who Disclose Information about their Jobs, including Compensation.

Once Signed, the New Law will Prohibit Pay Discrimination for substantially similar Work based on Gender and other Protected Characteristics, provide Stronger Remedies for Victims of Pay Discrimination, and Increase Transparency around Pay by requiring State Contractors to Report Compensation Data broken down by Sex, Race, and Ethnicity.

CLICK HERE to read the 19 page (pdf) Comprehensive Equal Pay Bill (S104).










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker