MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama would end its status as one of two states without an equal pay for equal work law, under a bill advanced Tuesday by a House committee.
The legislation by Rep. Adline Clarke of Mobile would prohibit businesses from paying workers less than employees of another race or gender unless there are reasons such as seniority, a merit system or productivity to account for the difference.
The House Commerce and Small Business Committee approved the bill without a dissenting vote. It now moves to the House floor.
“It’s a fairness issue,” Clarke told committee members. “I think that all of us in here would like for our daughters, and our granddaughters … and all workers to get equal pay for equal work.”
Clarke says she believes most businesses are paying employees equitably. But she said it is important to have a state law that could be used as the basis for a civil lawsuit should problems arise. The legislation gives a one-year window “after the act of discrimination” for a person to file a lawsuit.