Oregon House Votes to Combat Wage Disparities

(SALEM, Ore) — Currently, workers in Oregon can face retaliation for sharing their wage and salary rate with their coworkers, or for raising their voice about their right to a fair wage. Today, the Oregon House passed House Bill 2007, aimed at giving Oregon workers a voice to speak up about wage disparities. The bill passed 34-24.

HB 2007 will protect workers by prohibiting employer retaliation for discussing wages amongst themselves. It will also safeguard pay records by allowing employers to prohibit the disclosure of wages by an employee who maintains these records.

In 2014, the Oregon Council on Civil Rights found that, on average, women make 79 cents to every dollar a man makes. Minority women face an even greater gap in earnings. This has negative impacts on working families, but also on our economy: When women have less purchasing power, the whole economy suffers.

"Oregon women deserve equal pay for equal work," said Rep. Shemia Fagan (D-Clackamas), who carried the bill on the floor. “And yet, we know that women still earn $.79 for every dollar a man makes doing the same job. That's why we must be committed to doing all we can to combat the negative impacts that wage disparities have on Oregon families.” HB 2007 would add Oregon to the list of states that have prioritized giving workers equal pay for equal work.

“We know that pay inequality is hurting Oregon women and families,” said Rep. Jessica Vega Pederson (D-East Portland). “Wage transparency, and preventing employers from punishing their workers just for talking about their pay, is a proven strategy in closing the pay gap between men and women.”
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Source: Oregon Legislature - House Democratic Caucus