Some Democratic legislators are aiming to tackle a slew of labor issues in one fell swoop.
The Economic Security Act of 2017, which has been filed in both the House and the Senate, addresses minimum wage, equal pay, collective bargaining, paid leave, and banning the box. Here’s a look at the specific provisions, as outlined by The Charlotte Observer:
Minimum Wage
The bill would raise the state’s base wage gradually, from $7.25 to $15 per hour by 2021.
Equal Pay
The proposal would require that employers pay employees, regardless of gender, the same wages for “the same quantity and quality of the same classification of work.” Exceptions are carved out for other factors, such as seniority, that contribute to pay disparities.
Collective Bargaining
Under the bill, North Carolina’s ban on collective bargaining for unions representing government employees would be repealed.
Paid Leave
Employers would have to allow workers an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, which could be used for their own illness or to care for a sick family member. If sick days are taken for more than three days in a row, employers would be allowed to require a doctor’s note be provided.
Ban the Box
Under the bill, government agencies would be prohibited from asking about a job candidate’s criminal record until a conditional offer of employment has been made.
The bill also proposes reinstating the earned income tax credit, which was previously eliminated in favor of a higher standard deduction for personal income taxpayers.
NFIB/NC is opposed to all employer mandates that make operating a business more difficult and costly for small business owners. However, with a Republican-dominated House and Senate, the bill is not likely to make it far.
