What does the Paycheck Fairness Act of 2009 prohibit?

The Paycheck Fairness Act of 2009 specifically focuses on addressing wage disparities based on gender. Its primary objective is to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work, aiming to eliminate gender-based salary differentials. This act builds upon the principles established by the Equal Pay Act of 1963, by enhancing the enforcement capabilities and requiring employers to provide justifications for pay disparities. The overarching goal is to empower employees to discuss their wages without fear of retaliation, and to promote transparency in wage structures to ensure fairness in compensation across genders. By prohibiting gender-based salary differentials, the Paycheck Fairness Act directly targets systemic issues in wage inequality in the workplace.