EQUAL PAY & THE RIGHT TO FAIR COMPENSATION

THE EQUAL PAY ACT (EPA) & OTHER EQUAL PAY PROTECTIONS

There are several pieces of legislation at the federal level that protect Tampa employees from unfair compensation based on sex, age, race, and various other social parameters. The primary Acts are covered below.

FAIR PAY FOR WOMEN

President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law on June 10, 1963. As the foundation for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to this day, it continues to be a major basis of employment lawsuits. The Equal Pay Act requires that an employer cannot pay employees more, or less, based on sex.

As you can imagine, this typically involves women being paid less than men – but both sexes are protected. Additionally, the EPA does not just cover salary and wages but all aspects of employee compensation – reimbursement of expenses, health insurance, etc.

WHEN THE EPA APPLIES

When the actual work being performed – regardless of job title – is equal.
When there is not an additional factor determining the imbalance – such as higher pay based on seniority or merit.

FAST-TRACK RESOLUTION

Unlike some other employment discrimination violations, you can sue your employer without first exhausting your administrative remedies via the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

FAIR PAY FOR THE DISABLED, FOR THE YOUNG & OLD

Two other federal Acts protect individuals from employment discrimination on the basis of age or disability. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title I.

A TWO-STEP PROCESS

For complaints related to either of these two categories, you are required by law to first exhaust your administrative remedies by filing a charge with the EEOC and letting the Charge process be concluded before filing a lawsuit. However, an attorney is likely needed to help walk you through that process so that it moves as quickly and smoothly as possible. It’s not uncommon for someone affected by discrimination to wait too long to file a Charge, or make some other critical error during the administrative stage of their lawsuit. Therefore, having a lawyer from the onset is necessary in discrimination cases.

FAIR PAY FOR EVERY RACE, CREED & ETHNICITY

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII (often referred to simply as Title VII), covers all bases of pay inequality – disability, race, religion, age, color, national origin, and sex. As you can see, there are multiple protections for disability, age, and sex – but this Act covers most.

The headings directly above this section, “A Two-Step Process” and “Inequality is OK,” also apply to Title VII.

EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEY FOR EQUAL PAY & RIGHT TO FAIR COMPENSATION

You have the right to do something about unfair wages. If you feel as if you are not receiving equal pay or your right to fair compensation for the work you perform, then call our office today or schedule your free initial consultation now!