can employees discuss wages in georgia
tit. 24-34-306(9). 45-19-22(5). Rev. An employee may bring a civil action to recover unpaid wages and liquidated damages; any judgment entered for an employee in an action brought under this section shall include an award for the costs of the action, the necessary costs of prosecution, and reasonable attorneys fees, all to be paid by the employer. 760.10(1)(a). Code Ann 11-4-611(a), (b)(1)(3). 43 Pa. Cons. Gen. Laws. 378-5(b). 16-123-102(6). Code 34-06.1-03(1). 23:663(3). Cent. Ann. Ind. In addition to any relief, the commission shall award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to any prevailing complainant. 112/10(a). Stat. Del. Fla. Stat. Applies to all employers, including the state, that employ 3 or more persons. 48-1103(1)-(2). Stat. W. Va. Code 21-5B-5. Rev. Stat. 28 R.I. Gen. Laws 28-6-17(b)-(c). Mass. Additionally, where an individual renders services only partly in the state, the individual is not an employee unless his or her contract of employed has been entered into, or payments there under are made, within the state. 49.58.040(2)(a). Coverage: Applies to employers of the state or any political subdivision, commission, department, institution, or school district thereof, and every other person who employs a person in the state. Stat. Me. Govt Code 12965(c). Whether you are getting paid more or less than your co-workers, youd be helping to even the playing field and increase equity across the board. Coverage: Applies to any person acting in the interest of any employer, directly or indirectly, and includes the state, but not its political subdivisions; does not apply to any individual who is entitled to the equal pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Stat. Information unintentionally discovered relating to an applicants salary history must not be used by the department or agency in an employment decision. Coverage: Applies to all employers, as well as the state, but does not apply to any individual employed in the domestic service of any person. 28 R.I. Gen. Laws 28-5-6(2), 28-5-7(1)(ii). and perfectly legal to talk about it What many workers don't realize is that it is unlawful for private sector employers to prohibit employees from discussing wages and. tit. Rev. Coverage: Applies to any employer engaged in an industry who has 2 or more employees, as well as to any agent of the employer, and to any party whose business is financed in whole or in part under the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Act, and also applies to the state regardless of the number of employees; however, it does not apply to the United States, a corporation wholly owned by the government of the United States, or an Indian tribe. New Hampshire Equal Pay Law Protection: No employer shall discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee because the employee has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed his or her wages or those of another employee. 5-11-13(b)-(c). Gen. Laws ch 151B, 5. Stat. Stat. Nev. Rev. Mich. Comp. Code Ann. Nev. Rev. The employer may be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, for each offense if the total amount of all unpaid wages is more than $1,000 but less than $2,000. Companies covered by the NLRAcannot limit employees concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection, according to Section 7 of the NLRA. 3-304.1(a)(1). Laws 37.2202(1)(a). Remedies: An employer who willfully and knowingly violates this law shall be liable to the employee affected in the amount of his or her unpaid wages and in addition, an equal amount as liquidated damages; additionally, the court shall allow a reasonable attorney's fee and costs of the action to the employee. Employers legally may not discipline or terminate employees for discussing their pay at work. Coverage: Applies to all employees and includes apprentices and applicants for any apprenticeship. Coverage: No specific coverage provision. Stat. .usa-footer .container {max-width:1440px!important;} Ann. Lab. Code Ann. Coverage: Applies to all employers but does not apply to governmental agencies. Remedies: The court shall have the authority to order the employer to cease and desist or modify its existing employment policies; order the employer to hire, reinstate, or promote the employee; order the payment of compensatory damages (including general and special damages) and punitive damages not to exceed the damage awards allowable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and order the costs of litigation and reasonable attorneys fees to the prevailing party. N.D. Colorado Antidiscrimination Statute Protection: Unless otherwise permitted by federal law, it is an unfair employment practice for an employer to discharge, discipline, discriminate against, coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any employee or other person because the employee inquired about, disclosed, compared, or otherwise discussed the employees wages; additionally, it is an unfair practice for an employer to require an employee to sign a waiver or other document that purports to deny an employee the right to disclose his or her wage information. Indiana Civil Rights Law Protection: It is a discriminatory practice to exclude a person from equal opportunities in employment because of sex; however, it is not an unlawful employment practice for an employer to classify an individual on the basis of sex in instances where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that particular business or enterprise. Why? 34:11-56.1(a)-(b). tit. Remedies: Any employer who violates section 290.410 is liable to the female employee affected in the amount of the wages of which the female employee is deprived, and any female employee receiving less than the wage to which she is entitled may recover in a civil action the balance of the wages, together with the costs of suit. Code 22-2-2-4(d). Code Ann., State Govt 20-505(a)(1)(i). D.C. Mo. In cases of violation in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, the court shall allow a reasonable attorneys fee and costs of the action to be paid. 67-5902(6). Stat. Ann. Mass. D.C. Code Ann. Code Ann. 344.030(5). Minn. Stat. New Mexico Fair Pay for Women Act Protection: No employer shall discriminate between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages to employees at a rate less than the rate that the employer pays wages to employees of the opposite sex for equal work on jobs the performance of which requires equal skill, effort and responsibility and that are performed under similar working conditions. Ann. Ala. Code 25-1-30(b). Nev. Rev. Rev. Idaho Code Ann. 363A.20(1). 12571. 28 R.I. Gen. Laws 28-5-24(b). 28-23-4(A)(1). Md. Mass. South Dakota Equal Pay for Equal Work Law Protection: No employer may discriminate between employees on the basis of sex, by paying wages to any employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays any employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs which have comparable requirements relating to skill, effort, and responsibility, but not to physical strength. Minnesota Pay Transparency Law Protection: An employer shall not require nondisclosure by an employee of his or her wages as a condition of employment; require an employee to sign a waiver or other document which purports to deny an employee the right to disclose the employee's wages; or take any adverse employment action against an employee for disclosing the employee's own wages or discussing another employee's wages which have been disclosed voluntarily. 31-40z(d). Mich. Comp. Its pretty simple: if you found out that a co-worker doing the same job as you was making more money, youd be understandably upset, right? Plus, other pay transparency issues have come to light recently, including companies not advertising jobs in Colorado because of a law that requires salary ranges to be included in job postings. 110/1. Haw. Coverage: Applies to all employers and their agents and to all employees, including unpaid interns, but does not apply to employers who employ a parent, spouse, children, or to domestic servants engaged in work in and about the employers household. The National Labor Relations Act protects employees' rights to discuss conditions of employment, such as safety and pay even if you're a non-union employer. Stat. Conn. Gen. Stat. Stat. N.D. Coverage: Applies to all employers who employ 2 or more employees, and also applies to the state. Remedies: Any person aggrieved by a violation of the provisions of this law may bring an action in superior court seeking compensatory and punitive damages or equitable relief, including restraint of prohibited acts, restitution of wages or other benefits, reinstatement, costs, reasonable attorney's fees and other appropriate relief. Cal. Ann. Idaho Code Ann. 67-19-12(a), (b), (g). Rev. Cal. Ann. Nev. Rev. Stat. Ky. Rev. & Empl. 23:663(2). Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law (sex discrimination provisions) Protection: A. Conn. Gen. Stat. 820 Ill. Comp. tit. 5/2-101(B)(1)(a), (c)-(e). Coverage: Applies to any employer with at least 1 employee who provides services within the state, including the state itself, but not including the federal government. The .gov means its official. Code Ann. Gen. Laws ch. 10:5-12(r). The court may also award affirmative relief, including reinstatement or hiring, with or without back pay, front pay, or any other equitable relief. In addition to the remedies that the Commission may order, a court may award punitive damages where the challenged conduct is shown to be motivated by malice or ill will or when the action involves reckless or callous indifference to the statutorily protected rights of others. Code Ann. Wyo. Stat. D.C. Code 2-1403.13(a)(1)(A),(D)-(F). N.H. Rev. 19 709B(h)(3). Remedies: If an employer has engaged in an unlawful employment practice, the presiding officer shall render an order requiring the employer to cease and desist from such practice and to take affirmative action, including the hiring, reinstatement, or upgrade of employees, with or without back pay, and a report of compliance; the order may also include an award of damages for pain, suffering, and humiliation that shall not exceed $2,000. Additionally, it would be illegal for your employer to have a work rule, policy, or hiring agreement that prohibits you from discussing your wages with others, or that requires you to get the employer's permission to have such discussions. Stat. Coverage: Applies to all employers, as well as their agents, with 8 or more employees, except for religious or sectarian organizations not organized for profit, and all employees except for individuals employed by their parents, spouse, or child, or in the domestic service of any person. Maine Human Rights Act Protection: It is unlawful employment discrimination, except when based on a bona fide occupational qualification, for any employer to discriminate with respect to compensation because of sex. Utah Antidiscrimination Act Protection: An employer may not discriminate in matters of compensation against a person otherwise qualified because of sex or gender identity. 34A-5-102(i)(i)(A), (D), (ii)(A)-(C). If you are an employee covered by the Act, you may discuss wages in face-to-face conversations and written messages. Me. Stat. Ark. Stat. Remedies: Any employer who pays or agrees to pay a woman or minor less than the rates applicable under a mandatory minimum fair wage order shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and each week in any day of which such employee is paid less than the rate applicable to him or her under a mandatory minimum fair wage order and each employee so paid less shall constitute a separate offense. 43 Pa. Cons. 46a-51(9). Remedies: If an employee is paid less than the wage to which he or she is entitled, the employee may recover in a civil action the entire amount of any underpayment together with interest, compensatory damages if the employee demonstrates that the employer acted with malice or reckless indifference, punitive damages as may be appropriate, injunctive relief as may be appropriate, and the costs and reasonable attorneys fees as may be allowed by the court and as necessary to make the employee whole. Code Ann., Lab. Gen. Laws ch. Remedies: A court may grant relief including a requirement that the employer conduct trainings for all employees, supervisors, and management; a court may assess against the defendant a civil penalty of up to $25,000. Coverage: Applies to all employees. Coverage: Applies to all employees as well as any employer, or agent of the employer, employing 4 or more employees and any person acting for an employer. Kan. Stat. 275:36. N.J. Rev. Nev. Rev. & Empl. Coverage: Applies to contractors and subcontractors who hold a federal contract worth more than $10,000, hold Government bills of lading, serve as a depository of Federal funds, or serve as issuing and paying agencies for U.S. savings bonds; however, the regulation does not apply to contractors and subcontractors that are religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, or societies, with respect to the employment of individuals performing work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association, educational institution, or society of its activities. Remedies: If the commission determines that the employer has engaged in an unlawful employment practice, the commission shall issue an order requiring the employer to cease and desist from the practice and take affirmative action including the hiring, reinstatement, or upgrading of employees with or without back pay; reporting as to the manner of compliance; posting notices; and payment to the complainant of damages for injury including humiliation and embarrassment. Oct . California Labor Code Protection: No employer may require, as a condition of employment, that an employee refrain from disclosing the amount of his or her wages, or that an employee sign a waiver or other document purporting to deny the employee the right to disclose the amount of his or her wages; additionally, an employer may not discharge, formally discipline, or otherwise discriminate against an employee who discloses the amount of his or her wages. 46a-86(a)-(b). Code 1197.5(c). Ann. tit. 3-307(a)(2). Tex. Coverage: Applies to any organization that pays 1 or more individuals a salary or wages or that contracts or subcontracts with a governmental entity to furnish material or perform work. Coverage: Applies to employers with 5 or more employees in the Commonwealth, as well as the Commonwealth itself, but does not apply to individuals employed in agriculture or in the domestic service of any person; individuals who, as a part of their employment, reside in the personal residence of the employer; or individuals employed by said individuals parents, spouse, or child. Additionally, any employer in violation shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200 or by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or by both fine and imprisonment. Employers not covered by the NLRA or the Federal contractor executive order include municipal governments and religious schools. If the discriminatory practice includes discrimination in matters of compensation, the presiding officer may provide to the complaining party, an additional equal amount of back pay. 16-123-107(c)(2)(A). Remedies: Any employer who fails to pay the wages of his employees or shall differentiate in rate of pay because of sex, as provided in this article, shall forfeit to the people of the state the sum of $500 for each such failure, to be recovered by the commissioner in any legal action necessary. This button displays the currently selected search type. Vt. Stat. S.C. Code Ann. Remedies: An employee may bring a civil action against an employer for violation of this provision for actual damages; statutory damages equal to the actual damages or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater; interest of one percent per month on all compensation owed; and costs and reasonable attorneys fees. When using electronic communications, like social media, keep in mind that your employer may have policies against using their equipment. Stat. 44-1202(d). Coverage: Applies to any person or group of persons acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee or applicant, including the state and any political subdivision, but excluding the United States government. 19 709B(b)(1)-(2). Rev. Tex. Remedies: If the state or any county, municipal entity, school district, public or private corporation, person, or firm violates subsection (1), it is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $25 or more than $500 for each offense. Coverage: Applies to all employers and their agents, including the state. If an employer violates subsection (b-5) or (b-10), the employee may recover in a civil action any damages incurred, special damages not to exceed $10,000, injunctive relief as may be appropriate, and costs and reasonable attorneys fees as may be allowed by the court and as necessary to make the employee whole. 50-2-202(a). Maryland Anti-Discrimination Law Protection: An employer may not discriminate against any individual with respect to the individuals compensation because of the individuals sex. N.J. Stat. Del. Remedies: Any person who knowingly violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. Kentucky Civil Rights Act Protection: It is an unlawful practice for an employer to discriminate against an individual with respect to compensation because of the individuals sex. An employer may not discharge or in any other manner retaliate against an employee for: (a) inquiring about, disclosing, or otherwise discussing the employees wages or the wages of any other employee. Utah State Personnel Management Act Protection: The state, its officers, and employees shall be governed by the provisions of Section 34A-5-106 of the Utah Antidiscrimination Act concerning discriminatory or prohibited employment practices. La. D.C. Code 32-1455(a), (c). Code 1197.5(k)(1). Coverage: Applies to all employees, but not to an individual elected to public office; an individual chosen by an elected officer to be on the officer's personal staff; an appointee on the policy making level; or an immediate adviser with respect to the exercise of the constitutional or legal powers of an elected office. 5:12CV120, 2013 WL 524648, at *2 (N.D. W. Va. Feb. 11, 2013). Coverage: Applies to the state as well as any school district, public or private corporation, person, or firm. N.J. Stat. Code Ann. Illinois Equal Wage Act Protection: An employer engaged in the manufacture of any article shall not pay any person engaged in such manufacture an unequal wage for equal work, by time or piece work, than is being paid to any other person employed in such manufacture. La. Code Ann. Code Ann. Stat. Code Ann., Lab. Conn. Gen. Stat. Rev. 354-A:7(I), 345-A:7(VI)(a). Code Ann. 19 710(6)(a)-(d). Coverage: Applies to employees who work for an employer engaged in an industry affecting commerce and having at least 15 employees, including state and local governments but does not include the United States, a corporation wholly owned by the United States, an Indian tribe, any department of the District of Columbia subject to procedures of competitive service, or a bona fide private membership club exempt from taxation.