Wyoming is known as the Equality State, but in truth our state is amongst the worst in the nation when it comes to gender wage gaps. Now, two House Democrats are sponsoring a bill for the upcoming legislative session which would help level the playing field by making it illegal for employers to fire employees who discuss their wages.
The Billings Gazette says that Wyoming “typically leads the nation in the difference between women’s and men’s wages, based on an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data on full-time wages.” In fact, only Louisiana and Utah ranked worse in terms of fair pay between the genders in 2014, when women in Wyoming earned an average of 69 cents for every dollar men were paid.
Of course, the nature of the job market in Wyoming may have something to do with why women typically earn less than men. Many jobs in Wyoming are dangerous, such as jobs in the oil, gas, and coal industries. Still, many claim that women are paid less than men for doing the same work in office jobs and other occupations which may be less physically demanding. For example, in May 2015 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against True Oil LLC of Casper based on allegations that women were paid less than men who had the same roles as clerks or accounting professionals.
According to Reps. Mary Throne and Charles Pelkey, both Democrats, a major issue contributing to the gender wage gap in our state is the fact that employees are sometimes prohibited from discussing their income with coworkers. Under the bill they are sponsoring, it will be illegal for employers to fire workers who discuss their wages. Furthermore, employers who do fire employees for discussing their earnings will be liable for unpaid income and other damages. The Gazette says, “Women don’t know if they’re being paid equally for equal work if they can’t discuss earnings with their male colleagues.”
While Representative Throne says that this new law, if passed, won’t be “a magic bullet” to end pay inequality in Wyoming, it’s a step in the right direction. She hopes this new law will have broad support and says, “I think in Wyoming we first need to acknowledge the gender-pay gap is not good for the state. I think there are people who discount the meaning of it. As a relative term, it indicates there are fewer opportunities for women in Wyoming and that’s problematic. We want everyone to come here and stay here.”
When employees of any gender believe they have been treated unfairly or illegally denied the full pay to which they are entitled, they need the support of an experienced and tenacious attorney to ensure justice is served. To learn more about how Attorney Frederick J. Harrison can help you ensure you are treated fairly by your employer, please contact us for a free legal consultation.
