What is the Equal Pay Act?

The Equal Pay Act (EPA) is a law in California that requires employers to give men and women equal pay for performing the same job. The EPA was passed in 1963 and is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The EPA was created to combat wage discrimination based on gender. The EPA applies to all employers and employees in California, regardless of their size, and all types of compensation, including salary and bonuses. Under the act, an employer is prohibited from paying different wages to employees performing the same job based on their gender or any other protected status. If a man and a woman are performing the same job, the employer must pay them the same salary. This includes jobs that require similar skill levels, effort, and responsibility. Employers in California must also take into account any previous wages the employee earned that are not related to the current position. The EPA is designed to ensure that all employees receive equal pay regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, or any other protected classification. The Equal Pay Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor and enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is important for California employers to stay compliant with the Equal Pay Act in order to avoid any violations and legal action.

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