Mussman Urges Equal Pay for Equal Work from Illinois Contractors

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – To hold accountable companies that are failing to address the wage gap, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is co-sponsoring legislation that will require contractors to possess an “equal pay certificate” from the Department of Employment Security to show their compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination and equal pay laws.

“It is unacceptable for contractors not to pay their female employees the same as male employees with comparable responsibilities,” said Mussman. “Equal pay for equal work is the law of the land, and our tax dollars should not be going to companies that are not complying with equal pay standards. Issuing equal pay certificates is a way of holding companies accountable and ensuring that workers benefit from applying their trade in a fair and just work environment.”

House Bill 3539 would require contractors to refrain from paying their female employees less than male employees with comparable responsibilities. The bill also asks those contractors who do business with the state of Illinois to correct any wage and benefit disparities between male and female employees when identified.

“In today’s economy, every cent counts,” Mussman said. “It’s particularly important that contractors that claim to follow the ‘equal pay for equal work’ philosophy are actually doing so. This bill ensures that contractors who conduct work with the state are in fact complying with state and federal policies regarding equal pay.”

Mussman serves the 56th District, which includes portions of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Roselle, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine.