What is the Equal Pay Act?

The Equal Pay Act is a law that was passed in California in 1949 to prevent employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex. This law requires employers to pay all employees the same salary for the same job, regardless of gender. It’s important to note that the Equal Pay Act applies to jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility. The Equal Pay Act applies to all employers in California with more than five employees, including federal, state, and local governments. The law prohibits employers from paying employees differently if they are doing the same job and if the job qualifications are the same. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as different pay for employees based on seniority or merit. The Equal Pay Act is enforced by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). The DFEH has the authority to investigate, mediate, and if necessary, litigate all complaints of unequal pay on the basis of gender. Additionally, a successful plaintiff (the person making the complaint) may be entitled to back pay, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees. The Equal Pay Act is an important piece of labor law in California. It ensures that all employees are paid the same rate regardless of gender, and it serves as a reminder to employers that discrimination based on gender will not be tolerated.

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What is the Equal Pay Act?

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