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Talking About Your Pay Check in Delaware

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DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state Senate has approved a bill making it illegal for employers in Delaware to prohibit employees from talking about how much they or their co-workers are paid.

The measure was approved Wednesday by majority Democrats on a straight 12-9 party line vote and now goes to Gov. Jack Markell. It is part of a package of bills aimed at improving workplace equity between men and women.

Supporters say the bill will help women determine whether they're being paid less than male co-workers for equal work and fight for equal pay.

Opponents said the measure is an unwarranted interference and could cause dissension and disruption in the workplace if employees are allowed to constantly ask or complain about how much others are being paid without fear of being disciplined.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.