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Equal Pay

The EOI-led Equal Pay and Opportunity Act went into effect on June 7, 2018, ending pay secrecy policies and requiring employers to provide job-related reasons for differences in pay and opportunity. The new rights granted under this act protect and support workers as they identify wage discrimination and advocate for their deserved pay and opportunity. It will help combat Washington’s wage gaps – among the worst in the nation – which perpetuate discrimination against women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

August 22, 2019

“Equal Pay Day” Masks Difficulties Black and Brown Women Face

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June 11, 2018

The Gay Pay Gap in Washington and Impacts of Misogyny on LGBT Wages

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Economic Opportunity Institute

March 7, 2018

Washington Adds Enforcement Teeth to Equal Pay Law

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FEATURED PROFILE

How a Children’s Book is Fighting the Gender Pay Gap

When Emily Kim graduated from law school in 2011, the job market was bleak. She was thrilled when she landed her first position and she took the salary offered, fearing that negotiation might cost her the job.

A while later, Emily assumed a role managing the office’s budget. In comparing past years’ payroll expenditures, Emily saw something that shocked her. The man who had previously occupied the position had been paid $10,000 more.

“We had the exact same qualifications,” she said. “We graduated law school in the same year.”

Emily couldn’t believe the discrepancy. “That really amped me up, and made me hyper-aware moving forward to think about salaries and what you’re worth.”

Read more…

Research Feed

A Fair Deal at Work
The Equal Pay Opportunity Act

A Step Toward Fair Wages for Women

Paid Sick Days
Washington State Work & Family Agenda

Blog Feed

Equal Pay

August 3, 2021

Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

What it means and what we can do to close racial income gaps

Equal Pay

August 22, 2019

“Equal Pay Day” Masks Difficulties Black and Brown Women Face

Black women earned as much in the last 20 months as white men did in 2018.

A Fair Deal at Work

April 12, 2019

Senate Passes Ban on Employers Asking About Wage History

Washington is poised to be the second state to ensure pay-scale transparency