Understanding Pay Discrimination Laws in Atlantic County
Under both New Jersey 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 protections, significant wage disparities persist nationally. A 2015 Pew Research study indicated that women earned 83% of what men earned for comparable work hours, a slight improvement from 1980 when this figure was just 67%. However, according to the United States Census Bureau, the gap is broader, with women earning only 80% of men’s wages for full-time, year-round work.
Even within narrower age ranges, such as 25 to 34, women earn only 90% of their male counterparts’ wages. This suggests ongoing challenges in achieving pay equality across age groups. In fields like childcare, where women predominate, they earn about 95% of what men are paid for equivalent roles, translating to women needing to work an additional 44 days per year to match men’s annual earnings.
Women and Career Advancement in Atlantic County
In Atlantic County, women often encounter longer pathways to career advancement, affecting their salary progression. For instance, in the education sector, female school principals typically have three more years of teaching experience than their male counterparts before promotion. Factors like career breaks or reduced work hours for family care significantly impact women’s career trajectories and earnings.
The Equal Pay Act’s Role in Atlantic County
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is crucial in Atlantic County for ensuring wage parity. This law mandates that jobs need not be identical but substantially similar in duties to warrant equal pay. It allows employees to take their grievances directly to federal or state courts without first filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Pay differences based on merit, seniority, or production are permissible under the EPA.
New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, effective from July 1, 2018, significantly advances efforts against pay inequality. This law, part of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, makes it unlawful for employers to pay members of any protected class less than others for substantially similar work. Violations of this law can lead to treble damages, emphasizing the severity of penalties for non-compliance.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC: Advocates for Equal Pay in Atlantic County
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are committed to advocating for equal pay across Atlantic County and New Jersey. Our legal team is well-versed in the complexities of equal pay disputes and dedicated to ensuring your rights to fair compensation are upheld. If you suspect pay discrimination, contact us to evaluate your case and discuss potential legal actions to achieve workplace justice and equality.