Are employers allowed to pay employees differently based on gender or race?

No, employers in Maryland are not allowed to pay employees differently based on gender or race. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) both prohibit wage discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, and disability. Furthermore, the Equal Pay for Equal Work act, established in 2016, prohibits wage disparities based on gender, ensuring that employees of different genders with equal qualifications are paid the same wage for the same job. Violations of these laws are considered illegal activities. Any employee under these laws can file a complaint with the EEOC or MCCR if they believe they are being paid differently or unfairly due to their gender or race. The EEOC or MCCR will investigate the claim and decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the complaint. If there is sufficient evidence, then the employer may be required to correct the issue and pay the employee back wages that may be owed. By paying employees fairly and equally, employers demonstrate that they value their employees regardless of gender or race. It also ensures that the workplace is free from wage discrimination, creating a more positive and inclusive work environment.

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