Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees in Somers Point, NJ who have experienced pay discrimination in the workplace. New Jersey law and federal statutes, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, prohibit employers from paying workers differently based on gender or other protected characteristics. Despite these protections, wage disparities remain a serious issue across many industries.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research Center continues to show that women, on average, earn less than men for substantially similar work. Wage gaps affect earnings, career growth, retirement savings, and long-term financial stability. While the gap has narrowed over time, unequal compensation remains a widespread workplace issue in New Jersey and throughout the country.
Women and Career Advancement
Workers in Somers Point may also face unequal promotion opportunities that directly impact compensation. Women are often expected to meet higher standards or gain additional experience before receiving the same advancement opportunities as male coworkers. Career interruptions related to caregiving responsibilities can also affect raises, promotions, and long-term earning potential.
These workplace barriers can create lasting financial consequences. Employers cannot lawfully base compensation decisions on gender stereotypes, assumptions about family obligations, or discriminatory employment practices.
The Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires employers to provide equal pay for substantially equal work. The law applies even when employees hold different job titles if their actual duties, responsibilities, effort, and skill level are substantially similar.
Under the Equal Pay Act, employers can only justify pay differences based on legitimate non-discriminatory factors such as:
- Seniority
- Merit
- Productivity
- Factors unrelated to gender
Employees may pursue claims in state or federal court when unlawful wage disparities exist. Employers also cannot correct unequal pay practices by lowering another employee’s wages.
New Jersey Equal Pay Protections
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act expanded employee protections in New Jersey and strengthened the state’s anti-discrimination laws. The law prohibits employers from paying members of protected classes less than other employees performing substantially similar work. Protected characteristics include gender, race, age, disability, national origin, and other classifications protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
The law allows employees to seek compensation for up to six years of discriminatory pay practices in certain cases. Employers who violate the statute may face significant financial penalties, including triple damages and liability for retaliation against employees who discuss wages or report discrimination.
Speak With a New Jersey Equal Pay Attorney
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC helps employees in Somers Point, NJ pursue claims involving unequal pay, wage discrimination, and workplace retaliation. Our attorneys represent workers in negotiations, litigation, and other employment law matters involving unlawful compensation practices.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC handles equal pay and employment law claims throughout New Jersey, including Somers Point.