State Senate equal pay bill lets some workers recover back wages

SALEM — The Oregon Senate has unanimously passed an equal pay bill that allows workers to recover up to two years’ of back pay by filing a complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Senators amended the House bill to win support from the business community, which had previously opposed stiff penalties in the original bill.

“It is currently illegal in Oregon to pay someone differently for the same work,” said Sen. Kathleen Taylor, D-Portland. “Our current legal system is not working. We know far too many people are being paid less for the same work.”

The safeguard applies to women and all other protected classes, including minorities, older people and people with disabilities. The bill also prohibits employers from asking a job candidate for wage or salary history.

Read more: http://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/business/state-senate-equal-pay-bill-lets-some-workers-recover-back/article_1bbaf710-15f3-518d-8f7a-ab238e111d90.html