Government announces pay equity and transparency legislation

The provincial government has introduced legislation to address pay equity and pay transparency.

The Bill received the second reading in the House of Assembly on Monday.

If passed the new legislation would apply to all public sector employers with 10 or more employees, require public sector employers to implement compensation practices to value jobs based on four criteria: skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions. And designate a commissioner under the Public Service Commission Act to act as the Pay Equity Officer.

Employers will also prevent employers from penalizing an employee or applicant for inquiring about or disclosing pay information, or requesting that the employer comply with the Act.