Work & Family Policy Database

Equal Pay

Tennessee
State: Tennessee
Subject: Fair Pay
Bill: H.B. 1514/S.B. 1482
House bill introduced: 02/17/11
Senate bill introduced: 02/23/11
House bill referred to Committee on Consumer and Employee Affairs: 02/23/11
Senate bill referred to Committee on Commerce, Labor and Agriculture: 02/24/11
House bill assigned to subcommittee: 03/01/11
Summary:

Would enact the Pay Equity in the Workplace Act of 2011 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex by paying an employee of one sex less than an employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs which require comparable skill, effort and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions. A wage gap would not be discriminatory when based on a seniority system, a merit system, a system that measures earnings by quality of quantity of production, or a bona fide factor other than sex. The act would also prohibit retaliation against employees who invoke rights under this act or who discuss wage information. Employees who are discriminated against would be entitled to their unpaid wages, and in some cases to additional damages.  The bill also establishes an award for employers who make substantial efforts to eliminate pay disparities in the workplace.

The House bill text can be found here.

The Senate bill text can be found here.

Entry updated as of: March 20, 2014.
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This database provides short summaries of bills and statutes. The summaries are not intended to constitute legal advice. To find out how laws relate to your particular situation, you must contact a lawyer who specializes in employees’ rights, the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-4USWAGE), your state labor department and/or your union.