Under New Jersey and federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, pay discrimination based on gender is illegal. Despite these protections, wage gaps persist, disproportionately affecting women.
A 2015 Pew Research Center study found women earn 83% of what men make for comparable work hours, improving from 67% in 1980. The U.S. Census Bureau reports women earn only 80% of men’s wages when considering full-time, year-round workers. Women aged 25 to 34 earn about 90% of what men in the same age group earn. In fields dominated by women, like childcare, wages still fall short, with women earning roughly 95% of men’s pay. On average, women must work 44 extra days annually to match men’s earnings.
Women face slower career advancement, which affects their pay growth. Female school principals, for example, often have three more years of teaching experience than male principals before promotion. This gap partly results from women taking career breaks or reducing hours for family care—about one in four women report doing so. These challenges impact women’s earnings and professional progress in Corbin City and across New Jersey.
The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for substantially similar work, focusing on job duties rather than titles. It allows employees to file pay discrimination claims directly in federal or state courts without first going through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The law forbids lowering wages of higher-paid employees to fix pay disparities.
Wage differences are allowed only if based on merit, seniority, or other factors unrelated to gender. Plaintiffs must prove they were paid less than men for substantially equal work. Enforcement of the Act shifted to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1979, which continues to oversee these claims.
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, effective July 1, 2018, strengthens protections under New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. It prohibits pay discrimination against protected classes, including gender, race, age, sexual orientation, and more. Employers cannot pay employees less for substantially similar work unless justified by merit or seniority. Each discriminatory pay act constitutes a separate violation, with claims allowed up to six years after the offense. Courts may impose treble damages for violations and retaliation, including penalties for employers who try to prevent employees from discussing wages.
This law advances New Jersey’s leadership in combating pay inequality and employment discrimination.
Contact Experienced Equal Pay Attorneys in Corbin City, NJ
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents clients in Corbin City and throughout New Jersey in equal pay disputes. Our experienced attorneys focus on protecting your rights and securing fair compensation. We understand the complexities of pay discrimination law and are prepared to advocate for you both in negotiations and court. If you suspect wage discrimination, contact Castronovo & McKinney to evaluate your claim and pursue the justice you deserve.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides legal services for equal pay claims in Corbin City, NJ, and across New Jersey.