WATCH LIST: Fair Pay Act of 2007

• Pay Discrimination

Full text:

• H.R. 2019 / S. 1087

Summary :

The Fair Pay Act of 2007 ( H.R. 2019; S. 1087), also known as the “Norton Fair Pay Act,” would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit discrimination in the payment of wages on account of sex, race, or national origin and would prohibit the discharge of, or any other discrimination against, an individual for opposing any act or practice made unlawful by the Act or for assisting in an investigation or proceeding under it. It would also class actions to be brought under Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and would allow expert fees as part of the costs awarded to prevailing plaintiffs.

Employers would be required to submit annual reports disclosing “the wage rates paid to employees of the employer in each classification, position, or job title, or to employees in other wage groups employed by the employer, including information with respect to the sex, race, and national origin of employees at each wage rate in each classification, position, job title, or other wage group.”

The bill also would direct the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to: (1) undertake studies and provide information and technical assistance to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning effective means available to implement the Act; and (2) carry on a continuing program of research, education, and technical assistance with specified components related to the purposes of the Act.

Amendments in context:

• Changes in existing statutes proposed by the Fair Pay Act of 2007