The Equal Pay Law was enacted to continue the fight for gender equality in the workplace. This law is intended to protect employees from suffering from pay inequality due to their gender. Below, we talk about three important facts so that you better understand the Equal Pay Law and how it protects your rights as a worker.
1. The Equal Pay Act was created to protect all employees from suffering from gender discrimination:
The primary goal of the Equal Pay Act is to eliminate the pay gap based on gender discrimination. This law establishes that all employees should receive the same salary for the same work or position within the company.
2. There are some exceptions within this law:
– Job seniority: If a salary difference is based on the seniority that an employee has built, achievements within the company, or a productivity system, it is allowed for differences between salaries to exist.
– Based on skills: Salary differences that result from factors related to the skills that each worker has, such as education, experience, or skills related to the position, generally should not be considered a violation of the law.
– Geographic location: There may be differences in employee salaries depending on the geographic location of the job.
– Negotiation: The differences that result from a negotiation between the worker and the employer can be complex according to the Equal Pay Law.
3. When the Law and your rights are being violated:
If you believe you are experiencing gender discrimination and, therefore, a pay gap compared to your peers, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If it is proven that there has been a violation of the Act, remedies may include your employer having to award you damages and other measures against the guilty party.
Understanding the Equal Pay Act is essential for employees and employers to ensure fair compensation practices.