Gender-based wage discrimination is illegal under federal and New Jersey laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act. Despite these protections, many employers in Mullica Township, NJ, continue to pay women less than men for comparable work.
The wage gap persists across industries and roles. Women earn less than men for equivalent jobs, even in fields where they dominate the workforce, such as childcare, where they make roughly 95% of what men earn. For younger women ages 25 to 34, earnings often reach only 90% of their male counterparts, forcing extra work just to achieve parity. These disparities are not due to skill or effort but reflect systemic barriers.
Promotion paths also remain unequal. Women frequently need more experience than men to qualify for leadership roles, while family care responsibilities and maternity leave can delay advancement. These factors do not justify lower pay or slower career progression.
The federal Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for jobs with substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility. It allows employees to pursue claims in state or federal court without first filing with the EEOC. Employers cannot reduce wages for higher-paid workers to achieve parity; they must raise wages to comply.
New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act strengthens these protections. It prohibits wage discrimination against protected classes, extends the statute of limitations to six years, allows for treble damages, and forbids retaliation against employees who discuss pay.
Wage discrimination often stems from outdated assumptions—such as the idea that women’s earnings are supplemental or that caregiving should slow career progress. These assumptions are illegal when they result in unequal pay.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides legal representation to workers in Mullica Township, NJ, facing wage discrimination. Our attorneys have extensive experience with federal and state equal pay laws and are prepared to hold employers accountable. If you believe you’ve been underpaid due to gender or another protected characteristic, we can evaluate your case and help secure the compensation you deserve.