Equal Pay for Men and Women

equal pay man woman texas lawyer

Equal pay lawyer Texas—if you believe you’re being paid less than a coworker of the opposite sex for performing equal work, you may have a legal claim under the Equal Pay Act. Employers are required by law to ensure that men and women receive the same compensation for comparable jobs. Despite these protections, wage disparities still exist in many workplaces.

Whether you’re facing wage discrimination, retaliation for reporting unequal pay, or other violations, an equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you fight for your rights.

What Is the Equal Pay Act?

The Equal Pay Act (EPA), passed in 1963, is part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and aims to eliminate pay disparities based on gender. It requires employers to pay men and women equally for performing jobs that require comparable skills, effort, and responsibility in similar working conditions.

The EPA is complemented by other laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits broader forms of sex discrimination, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which extended the timeframe for filing wage discrimination claims.

If you suspect your employer has violated these laws, contacting an equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you evaluate your case and take appropriate action.

To Which Employers Does the Equal Pay Act Apply?

The Equal Pay Act applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce, which in today’s economy includes nearly all businesses. Specific examples of covered employers include:

  • Private companies.
  • Government agencies.
  • Nonprofit organizations.

If you’re unsure whether your employer is subject to the Equal Pay Act, an equal pay lawyer in Texas can provide clarity and determine your legal options.

What Is Considered Equal Work Under the Equal Pay Act?

The law defines “equal work” as jobs requiring:

  • Comparable skills: Education, training, and experience needed to perform the work.
  • Effort: The physical or mental exertion required for the job.
  • Responsibilities: Duties and accountability associated with the role.
  • Work environment: The conditions under which the work is performed, such as office settings or hazardous locations.

If men and women perform equal work but receive different compensation, it may be a violation of the Equal Pay Act.

What Counts as Pay Under the Equal Pay Act?

Pay isn’t limited to the wages an employee takes home—it includes all forms of total compensation. Examples include:

  • Base wages or salary.
  • Bonuses and profit-sharing plans.
  • Expense accounts.
  • Use of company vehicles.
  • Insurance (health, dental, and life).
  • Paid leave, such as vacation or sick days.

Discrepancies in any of these forms of compensation could indicate unequal pay. An equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you analyze your compensation package and identify potential violations.

Employer Obligations Under the Equal Pay Act

Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that men and women performing equal work receive equal compensation. Employers cannot:

  • Retaliate: Fire, demote, or otherwise punish employees who report wage discrimination.
  • Reduce Pay: Lower the wages of higher-paid employees to achieve compliance.

Employers must rectify pay disparities by increasing the pay of under-compensated employees. Failure to do so may expose them to significant legal liability.

Employer Liability for Violating Equal Pay Laws

Employers found to have violated laws against  pay discrimination may be required to:

  1. Make Up the Difference: Pay the employee the amount they were underpaid, including overtime.
  2. Pay Liquidated Damages: Provide additional compensation, often double the unpaid wages, as a penalty. Liquidated damages means a multiplayer of your lost wages.
  3. Cover Attorney Fees and Costs: Pay for the employee’s legal expenses.

These penalties are designed to deter wage discrimination and ensure employees receive fair treatment. If you’ve been subjected to pay discrimination, contacting an equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you recover what you’re owed.

 

How the Lilly Ledbetter Act Strengthens Equal Pay Protections

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 addressed a significant gap in wage discrimination protections. Previously, employees had to file claims within a short timeframe after the discriminatory pay decision was made, even if they were unaware of the discrepancy.

Under the Ledbetter Act:

  • Each paycheck reflecting discriminatory pay resets the statute of limitations, giving employees more time to file claims.
  • Employees have a very short deadline  to file a claim with the EEOC after receiving a discriminatory paycheck.

An equal pay lawyer in Texas can ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe to preserve your rights.

 

Examples of Wage Discrimination

Wage discrimination can take many forms, including:

  • A woman earning less than a male coworker for the same role and responsibilities.
  • Men receiving larger bonuses than women for comparable performance.
  • Unequal benefits, such as insurance or retirement contributions, based on gender.

Even subtle differences in compensation could indicate a violation. An equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you gather evidence to prove your case.

 

Contact an Equal Pay Lawyer in Texas

If you believe your employer has violated equal pay laws, taking swift action is essential. As an experienced equal pay lawyer in Texas, I can help you:

  • Analyze your compensation and identify discrepancies.
  • File complaints with the EEOC or TWC.
  • Pursue compensation for lost wages, damages, and legal fees.

Equal pay isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental right. Don’t let wage discrimination go unchallenged. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and fight for the pay you deserve.

 

Conclusion

Equal pay for equal work is the law, yet wage disparities persist. If you’ve experienced pay discrimination based on gender, consulting an equal pay lawyer in Texas can help you take the necessary steps to protect your rights. From filing claims to negotiating settlements, legal guidance ensures you receive fair treatment and the compensation you’re owed.

For additional information regarding employment law visit the employment law home page.

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