Equality in the workplace is an ongoing battle. If you find out you are being paid less than your coworkers for doing the same job, you might wonder if you can take legal action. Understanding your rights and the circumstances under which you can sue is essential.
Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963 is a federal law that prohibits wage discrimination based on gender. This means that men and women performing substantially equal work should receive equal pay. If you discover you are being paid less than a coworker of the opposite sex for the same job, you may have grounds to sue under the EPA. The jobs must require equal skill, effort, and responsibility. Both workers must perform the job under similar working conditions.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also protects against wage discrimination. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. If you believe your lower pay is due to these factors, you might have a case under Title VII. This law covers a broader range of discrimination than the EPA law, and can apply even if the work is not the same but similar enough to compare.
Understand your rights
You may have the right to sue if you are being paid less than your coworkers for similar work. Employment laws such as the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, or state laws protect workers from workplace discrimination. Understanding these protections can help you determine the best action to ensure fair compensation.