Pay Discrimination and Legal Protections in Buena Vista Township, NJ
Gender-based pay discrimination is prohibited under New Jersey state law and federal statutes such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Despite these protections, wage disparity remains a serious issue across the U.S.
Wage Disparity Statistics
A 2015 Pew Research Center study revealed that women earned just 83% of what men earned for similar work. While the gap has improved since 1980, when women made only 67% of men’s pay, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that women still earn only 80% of men’s wages for full-time, year-round work. Women aged 25 to 34 earn about 90% of what their male counterparts make. In industries like childcare, women earn approximately 95% of what men earn. On average, women must work 44 additional days per year to match men’s earnings.
Challenges Women Face in Career Advancement
Women often face slower career advancement, which impacts their earning potential. For example, female school principals typically have three more years of teaching experience than their male counterparts before receiving a promotion. Career interruptions, such as family care and childbirth, disproportionately affect women’s career growth and wages.
The Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 mandates that jobs requiring substantially similar duties must offer equal pay, regardless of job titles. In Buena Vista Township, NJ, employees can file complaints directly with federal or state courts without needing to go through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Pay disparities are permitted only when based on merit, seniority, or other non-gender-related factors. However, plaintiffs must show that women were paid less than men for comparable work.
New Jersey’s Equal Pay Act
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, which went into effect on July 1, 2018, enhances protections against pay inequality. It prohibits employers from paying individuals in protected classes less than their non-protected counterparts for substantially similar work. Legitimate pay differences can only be based on merit or seniority. Workers can seek compensation for up to six years and are entitled to treble damages for violations, including retaliation for discussing or disclosing pay information.
Contact Our Experienced Equal Pay Attorneys
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we advocate for equal pay rights in Buena Vista Township, NJ. Our team is committed to ensuring that workers receive fair compensation. If you believe you have been discriminated against in pay, contact us for a consultation. We are ready to evaluate your case and help you pursue the justice you deserve.