Pay Discrimination and Legal Protections in Union County, NJ
Under both New Jersey state law and federal statutes like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, gender-based pay discrimination is prohibited. Despite these legal protections, wage disparity remains a persistent issue across the U.S.
Wage Disparity Statistics
A 2015 Pew Research Center study found that women earned only 83% of what men made for similar work. While this gap has improved from 67% in 1980, the U.S. Census Bureau reports an even larger gap, with women earning just 80% of men’s wages for full-time, year-round work. Women aged 25 to 34 earn about 90% of what men in the same age group make. In fields like childcare, women earn roughly 95% of their male counterparts’ pay. On average, women must work an additional 44 days per year to match men’s earnings.
Challenges Women Face in Career Advancement
Women often encounter longer career advancement timelines, which impacts their pay progression. For instance, female school principals generally have three more years of teaching experience than their male counterparts before receiving a promotion. Career interruptions for family care and childbirth also disproportionately affect women’s professional growth and earning potential.
The Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 ensures wage parity for workers in Union County and across New Jersey. This law mandates that jobs requiring substantially similar duties must offer equal pay, regardless of job titles. Employees can file complaints directly with federal or state courts without first approaching the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Pay differences are allowed based on merit, seniority, or other non-gender-related factors. However, plaintiffs must prove that women were paid less than men for substantially equal work.
New Jersey’s Equal Pay Act
New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, effective July 1, 2018, strengthens protections against pay disparity. This law prohibits employers from paying individuals in protected classes less than non-members for substantially similar work. Legitimate pay differences can only occur due to merit-based systems or seniority. Affected workers can pursue 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 fight for equal pay rights throughout Union County and New Jersey. Our legal team is dedicated to upholding your right to fair compensation. If you believe you’ve been unfairly compensated, we are ready to assess your case and help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.