Alaska State Commission for Human Rights v. State, Department of Administration

OPINION

COMPTON, Justice.

This case involves the interpretation of AS 18.80.220(a)(5), specifically the meaning of the phrase “work of comparable character.” At a hearing following a complaint by a group of public health nurses, the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights (HRC) interpreted AS 18.80.220(a)(5) to require equal, pay for jobs of comparable value to the employer. The superior court reversed the decision on appeal. We affirm in part and remand in part.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In 1978 and 1979, 11 public health nurses (PHNs) filed claims with the Alaska State Commission…