Washington state’s pay transparency law has generated a lot of litigation against employers since it took effect in 2023. Unlike most other state pay transparency laws, Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) contains a private right of action that permits employees and job applicants to sue employers for alleged infractions. Based on the impact of the controversial Washington law thus far, other states and localities contemplating the enactment of pay transparency laws should consider the potential consequences of including a private right of action.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC), our affiliated nonprofit membership association, can read more here.