Gender Equity Pay Law: Fair Ways to Challenge Wage Gaps!

Join us today for Women Lead Radio as Michelle Bergquist, your host of Women Who Lead, interviews Denise Visconti, Office Managing Shareholder at Littler Mendelson, P.C.
As of January 1st, 2016, California employers are required to adhere to the Fair Pay Act, SB 358, which prohibits employers from paying employees differently based on gender.  Employers must have a non-sex-based reason, or a reason that is supported by an identifiable business necessity, for any differentials that might exist between the compensation they are paying employees performing “substantially similar work.”  
This new law also allows employees to discuss their salary and wages and ask questions of their employer relating to compensation without fear of retribution.  Under the Fair Pay Act, not only is this type of discussion allowed, and therefore enables everyone to determine if they are being paid an equal wage for “substantially similar work,” but such discussions are protected.  Any employee who asks questions about their pay or takes action to rectify an existing wage gap also is protected.
Denise specializes in employment and wage and hour litigation. She also regularly counsels employers regarding compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern the workplace.
As the CEO and Co-Founder of Connected Women of Influence, Michelle Bergquist is a passionate advocate for women in business. At Connected Women of Influence, we believe that more women need to lead in business and everything we do is center-focused on designing platforms, programs, connections and collaborative opportunities for b2b women to prosper, succeed and lead the way in business today!