What is the Equal Pay Act?

The Equal Pay Act is a civil rights law passed in California in 1949. This law prohibits employers from paying unequal wages to employees who perform the same work based on their gender. The law requires that employees of the same employer be paid equal wages for jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and that is performed under similar working conditions. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report discrimination or otherwise seek to protect their rights under the Equal Pay Act. The Equal Pay Act aims to promote equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, eliminating the gender gap in wages that has long existed in the United States. The law requires that employers must pay men and women the same wage rate for work that is substantially similar in nature and requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which is performed under similar working conditions. This includes wages, benefits, and tips received by employees. The Equal Pay Act is enforced by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The DFEH is responsible for investigating and resolving any claims of discrimination or unequal pay. DFEH may also provide job seekers with the necessary information and assistance to file a complaint, bringing their employer into compliance with the Equal Pay Act. The DFEH also provides educational materials, seminars, and other services to help employers to comply with the law.

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