What happens if you violate the Equal Pay Act?

Employers found guilty of violating the Equal Pay Act will be liable for compensatory damages. If an employee is able to prove that the employer willfully violated the law, the employer may also be required to pay punitive damages.

What did the Equal Pay Act make illegal?

The EPA , which is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended ( FLSA ), and which is administered and enforced by the EEOC , prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who perform jobs that require substantially equal skill, effort and responsibility under …

Is equal pay mandatory?

The Equal Pay Act requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. If there is an inequality in wages between men and women, employers may not reduce the wages of either sex to equalize their pay.

Is equal pay illegal?

Federal Action In 1963, Congress passed the Equal Pay Act, which made it illegal for employers to pay women lower wages than men for equal work on jobs requiring the same skill, effort and responsibility. This act prohibits discrimination in employment based on sex, and is also used in wage discrimination claims.

Can you sue for being underpaid?

Yes, you can sue for being underpaid. The difference is referred to as “back pay.” Back wages may be ordered in cases under the FLSA. If this first attempt at getting your money does not work, you can consider suing your employer in small claims court or your local court.

How do I report unfair pay?

Call the LETF Public hotline anytime: 855 297 5322. Complete the Online Form / Spanish Form. Email us at [email protected]….However, if you are a current or former employee looking to:

1. Claim unpaid wages.
2. File a retaliation/discrimination complaint on behalf of yourself.
3. Report a health/safety issue in the workplace.

What to do if employer owes me wages?

You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, and include information regarding your job title, pay, hours, and additional information from pay stubs and other payment information. You can also pursue your case at a state level, with state labor and employment division resources.