Gender-based wage discrimination is illegal under both federal and New Jersey law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act. Yet, employers across New Jersey, including those affecting workers in Pleasantville, continue to pay women less than men for comparable work.
Despite some progress, the wage gap persists. Women overall earn significantly less than men, and even in professions dominated by women, like childcare, they earn roughly 95% of what men make—effectively working an extra 44 days each year to match male counterparts. Slower promotion tracks also compound wage inequality. In fields like education, women often need more experience than men to reach leadership positions, a disparity influenced by factors such as maternity leave or caregiving responsibilities—none of which legally justify unequal pay.
The Equal Pay Act ensures that employees performing substantially similar work receive equal compensation. It allows workers to file claims in federal or state court without first contacting the EEOC and protects higher-paid employees from wage reductions intended to equalize pay. New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act strengthens these protections, extending the statute of limitations to six years, requiring treble damages for violations, and prohibiting retaliation for discussing wages with coworkers.
Wage discrimination often stems from outdated assumptions, such as the idea that women’s income is supplemental or that caregiving should slow career advancement. These assumptions are illegal when they result in unequal pay.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents workers in Pleasantville facing wage discrimination. Our attorneys are experienced with federal and state equal pay laws and are prepared to hold employers accountable. If you suspect you’ve been underpaid based on gender or another protected characteristic, we can evaluate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
