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Washington Wage Transparency Alert

State and local jurisdictions continue to enact sweeping pay transparency statutes – usually focused on equality in wages and detailed informational requirements for job postings. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to substantial financial penalties. Most notably, there has been a recent increase in class action cases filed against logistics companies based on Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Under that Act, Washington employers must make certain disclosures in job postings. Specifically, each job posting for each job opening must disclose the wage scale or salary range for the position, along with a general description of all of the benefits and compensation that will be offered to the applicant. The Act also provides statutory penalties of up to $5,000 for violations of the Act (per applicant). Other jurisdictions, such as California, Illinois, and New York, have or intend to institute similar wage transparency laws.

Employers are urged to immediately review their compliance efforts in this area. If you have questions about Washington’s law or need assistance reviewing or revising your postings to make sure you are complying with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act and other wage transparency acts, you can contact Partners Adam Smedstad, David Robinson, Kelli Block, and Chip Andrewscavage.

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News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.

Washington Wage Transparency Alert

State and local jurisdictions continue to enact sweeping pay transparency statutes – usually focused on equality in wages and detailed informational requirements for job postings. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to substantial financial penalties. Most notably, there has been a recent increase in class action cases filed against logistics companies based on Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. Under that Act, Washington employers must make certain disclosures in job postings. Specifically, each job posting for each job opening must disclose the wage scale or salary range for the position, along with a general description of all of the benefits and compensation that will be offered to the applicant. The Act also provides statutory penalties of up to $5,000 for violations of the Act (per applicant). Other jurisdictions, such as California, Illinois, and New York, have or intend to institute similar wage transparency laws.

Employers are urged to immediately review their compliance efforts in this area. If you have questions about Washington’s law or need assistance reviewing or revising your postings to make sure you are complying with the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act and other wage transparency acts, you can contact Partners Adam Smedstad, David Robinson, Kelli Block, and Chip Andrewscavage.

News from Scopelitis is intended as a report to our clients and friends on developments affecting the transportation industry. The published material does not constitute an exhaustive legal study and should not be regarded or relied upon as individual legal advice or opinion.