What You Need To Know About the Equal Pay Act

Have you ever felt like you were being paid less than your colleagues for doing the same job? Have you ever wondered if your gender, race, or age played a role in your pay? If so, you’re not alone. Pay discrimination is a pervasive problem in the workplace, but many employees aren’t aware of their legal rights or the steps they can take to protect themselves. In this article, we’ll explore the Equal Pay Act (EPA) and what you need to know about it.

What is the Equal Pay Act?

The EPA is a federal law that prohibits pay discrimination on the basis of sex. It requires employers to pay men and women equal wages for doing equal work. The law defines “equal work” as jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility and are performed under similar working conditions.

It’s important to note that the EPA only covers wage discrimination based on sex. It does not address discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. However, other federal and state laws may provide protections for these categories.

The History of the Equal Pay Act

The EPA was signed into law in 1963 as an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA is a federal law that sets minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for employees. The EPA was a response to the widespread pay discrimination that was occurring against women in the workforce at the time. Despite the passage of the EPA, pay discrimination based on sex continues to be a problem in the United States today.

Proving Pay Discrimination

Proving pay discrimination can be difficult, but there are several factors that can help establish a case. These include:

1. Job Duties: If two employees have similar job duties, they should be paid equally. However, if an employer can demonstrate that one employee has significantly more responsibilities, skills, or experience than the other, they may be able to justify paying that employee more.
2. Pay History: An employee’s pay history should not be used as a basis for paying them less than their colleagues. If an employer can show that an employee’s lower pay is based on their prior experience or qualifications, they may be able to justify the discrepancy.
3. Performance Evaluations: If an employee consistently receives positive performance evaluations but is still paid less than their colleagues, this may be evidence of pay discrimination.
4. Gender Bias: If an employer has a history of paying male employees more than female employees for doing the same job, this may be evidence of pay discrimination.
5. Industry Standards: If an employer can demonstrate that the pay discrepancy is based on industry standards, they may be able to justify paying one employee more than another.

How an Experienced Employment Attorney Can Help

If you believe you are a victim of pay discrimination, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced employment attorney. An attorney can help you:

1. Understand Your Legal Rights: An attorney can explain the EPA and other laws that protect you from pay discrimination.
2. Evaluate Your Case: An attorney can review your job duties, pay history, performance evaluations, and other factors to determine if you have a case.
3. Gather Evidence: An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to prove pay discrimination, such as performance evaluations, pay records, and witness statements.
4. Negotiate a Settlement: An attorney can negotiate with your employer to reach a settlement that compensates you for the harm you have suffered.
5. Represent You in Court: If negotiations fail, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

Tips for Preventing Pay Discrimination

Preventing pay discrimination starts with creating a culture of fairness and transparency in the workplace. Here are some tips for employers:

1. Conduct Regular Pay Audits: Employers should conduct regular audits of their pay practices to identify any disparities based on gender, race, or other protected categories.
2. Train Managers: Managers should be trained on the EPA and other laws that prohibit pay discrimination. They should also be trained on how to conduct performance evaluations and make pay decisions that are free from bias.
3. Establish Clear Job Descriptions: Employers should establish clear job descriptions and pay scales for each position to ensure that employees are paid based on their job duties and responsibilities.
4. Encourage Salary Negotiations: Employers should encourage employees to negotiate their salaries and provide guidance on how to do so effectively.
5. Create a Complaint Process: Employers should create a complaint process for employees to report any pay discrimination they experience or witness. This process should be confidential, fair, and free from retaliation.

A Serious Problem

Pay discrimination is a serious problem that can have significant consequences for employees. The Equal Pay Act is an important tool for protecting employees from pay discrimination based on sex, but proving discrimination can be difficult. If you believe you are a victim of pay discrimination, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced employment attorney like those found at Shavitz Law Group.

Employers can also take steps to prevent pay discrimination by creating a culture of fairness and transparency in the workplace. By working together, employees and employers can help ensure that everyone is paid fairly and equally for doing equal work. Remember, pay discrimination is not just an issue for women. It can affect anyone who is a member of a protected class. Know your rights, and don’t be afraid to stand up for them.

Shavitz Law Group Can Help

At Shavitz Law Group, we stand up for the rights of our clients by ensuring that their voices are heard. If you believe you may be a victim of pay discrimination based on sex, race, or age, call us today at (800) 616-4000.