Virginia has enacted legislation (House Bill 622) that prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for discussing their wages. House Bill 622 takes effect July 1, 2020.
Anti-retaliation:
Employers may not retaliate against an employee for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing the employee's or another employee's wages or compensation with another employee. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for filing a complaint alleging a violation of the law.
Exceptions:
HB 622 does not apply to an employee who has access to compensation data and, as part of their essential job functions, discloses the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who don't know otherwise have access to such information, unless the disclosure is in response to a formal complaint, investigation, or legal obligation to furnish the information.
Violations:
Violations of the law are subject to a fine of up to $100 per violation.
Compliance Recommendations:
Virginia employers should ensure compliance with House Bill 622 by July 1, 2020. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.