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Puerto Rico enacts Equal Pay Act

by Apr 6, 2017Headlines, Puerto Rico0 comments

On March 8 2017, Puerto Rico passed the Equal Pay Act. This law was created for the purpose of establishing a fair public policy of equal pay for equal work in order to eradicate the existing wage discrimination between employees of the public, and private sector, on the basis of sex.

Although modeled after the Federal Equal Pay Act, this act goes further. It limits instances in which employers can inquire into an applicant’s salary history, pending certain circumstances. This helps because many employers take advantage of this information, in order to minimize women employee’s salaries. This law helps get rid of this cruel cycle from the hiring process.

If pay discrimination is established, or their is evidence for it, this act remedies this discrimination. It remedies it through rewarding the employee with entitlements, or financial rewards. It can penalize the employer through various methods, but mostly through financial means.

This act authorizes The Puerto Rican Department of Labor to receive and investigate complaints regarding violations of the act and can file legal actions on behalf of employees. The Puerto Rico Women’s Advocate Office is also empowered to receive complaints, refer them to the Department of Labor and take additional measures authorized by its enabling statute, when deemed appropriate.

Unfortunately, there is still inequality against women in the workplace. Monitoring and implementing public policies in favor of women will contribute to the development of a just and equitable society. Women will have access to better working conditions and real opportunities for progress. These policies will lead to an environment of social justice and equity that improves the quality of life of all our women, as well as our society in general.

 

About The Author

Timothy Toussaint

Tim Toussaint is currently a third year undergraduate student at Towson University, in Maryland. He has lived in the State of Maryland his entire life. He is pursuing a major in political science and a minor in communication studies. He currently studies U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and U.S. State/Federal Government. Tim has a desire to one day go into politics in order to bring forth progressive, and positive change. He loves staying informed on all the social and political issues facing our country, as well as our world. Tim believes that educating oneself helps us understand different perspectives and allows us to be more mindful of the issues we face. In his free time, Tim likes to learn about history, philosophy, and civil society. He also enjoys watching sports, especially American Football. He is a Contributor at Pasquines.

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