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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

An Inclusive Economy
Growing Jobs, Stagnant Wages, Increasing Inequality and Rising Prices

The State of Working Washington: Full Report

A Fair Deal at Work
The Gay Pay Gap in Washington and Impacts of Misogyny on LGBT Wages

Finding LGBT data the government won't collect

A Fair Deal at Work
We Need to Update Equal Pay Laws
A Fair Deal at Work
Equal Pay and Opportunity

A step toward fair wages for women and better workplaces for all

Blog Feed

A Fair Deal at Work

January 17, 2024

Which Costs More: Shoplifting or Wage Theft? The Answer Might Surprise You

Wage theft continues to rob workers - but Washington is stepping up

Equal Pay

May 1, 2023

Before the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, Women Tried To Warn the Unions

How a teenage immigrant helped build one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States

Equal Pay

March 10, 2022

Equal Pay Day 2022: Work Still Remains to Advance Gender Equity

Women’s history month and Equal Pay Day give us the opportunity to celebrate progress, and acknowledge the collective work we have ahead.