We are truly blessed to live in a state where ethnicities across the globe have come to settle, live, work and play on the sunny islands of Hawai’i. The faces of the Aloha State span the ages too, with keiki to kupuna an important part of the fabric that weaves our community together. I would hope to think that the idea of “Equal Opportunity” would be a non-issue in our very liberal and diversified state. But as all business goes, there are rules and regulations set in place to protect and advocate for equal opportunities for all classes.
Here we briefly remind you Small Employers of your responsibilities when it pertains to regulations set by the United States EEOC – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
If you have at least one employee: You are covered by the law that requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work to male and female employees.
If you have 15 to 19 employees: You are covered by the laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability and genetic information (including family medical history). You are also covered by the law that requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work.
If you have 20 or more employees: You are covered by the laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history). You are also covered by the law that requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work.