Imagine doing the same work, with the same qualifications and responsibilities, but receiving less pay than a colleague simply because of your gender, race, or another protected characteristic. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too real for many workers across New Jersey. Wage discrimination not only hurts employees financially but undermines workplace equality and morale.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we fight on behalf of workers who have been underpaid or unfairly compensated. Wage discrimination is illegal under both federal and New Jersey laws, and our attorneys are committed to helping victims of pay inequality seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Is Wage Discrimination?
Wage discrimination occurs when an employee receives less compensation than others doing substantially similar work due to a protected characteristic. Common bases for wage discrimination include:
Gender
Race or national origin
Disability
Age
Sexual orientation
Pregnancy status
This form of discrimination may affect not only base salary but also bonuses, benefits, stock options, and other forms of compensation. Often, it’s difficult to detect — employers don’t usually publicize pay rates, and employees are discouraged from comparing salaries.
Laws That Protect Against Unequal Pay
Several laws are in place to protect workers against wage discrimination:
The Equal Pay Act (Federal): Requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits compensation discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Expands protections to include a broader range of protected classes and applies to all employers, regardless of size.
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act (New Jersey): One of the strongest state equal pay laws in the nation, it requires employers to pay employees equally for "substantially similar work," and allows for up to six years of back pay and treble damages.
How to Identify Wage Discrimination
Because pay information is often confidential, it can be difficult to determine whether you’re being paid fairly. However, certain signs may point to wage discrimination:
You learn that coworkers with the same job title and responsibilities earn more
You’re passed over for raises despite strong performance
You notice a pattern of certain groups consistently earning less
Your employer discourages or penalizes discussions about compensation
New Jersey law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who discuss or inquire about wages in good faith, making it easier for employees to uncover potential disparities.
What to Do if You Suspect Wage Discrimination
If you believe you're being paid unfairly due to a protected trait, consider these steps:
Gather evidence: Collect information about your job duties, pay records, and comparisons to others in similar roles.
Speak up: Ask for a salary review or express concerns to HR. Your employer may not be aware of the discrepancy.
Consult an attorney: Wage discrimination claims can be complex. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and your legal options.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is equipped to assess your case, guide you through the process, and pursue remedies such as back pay, penalties, and policy changes.
We Champion Fair Pay for All
Every employee deserves to be compensated fairly for their contributions. If you suspect you’ve been underpaid due to bias or discrimination, you don’t have to accept it. We’ve helped countless clients across New Jersey fight for wage justice, and we’re ready to help you, too.
To learn more about this topic, visit our page on Wage Discrimination.
Contact Us
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027