House passes pay equity bill for NH
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire employers could not prohibit their workers from discussing how much they are paid under a bill passed by the House.
The House voted 183-125 Wednesday to send the Senate a bill that allows employers to pay workers different amounts based on such factors as seniority, merit, production and education. Supporters argue the bill is a step toward ensuring men and women are paid equally for comparable work.
Opponents agreed that it is wrong for employers to discriminate based on gender, but argued allowing workers to discuss how much they are paid could cause discord in the workplace.
The Senate is considering a similar bill. Gov. Maggie Hassan has urged lawmakers to pass legislation addressing inequalities in pay between men and women.