Northridge Employment Law: Ensuring Fair Pay for All Workers

San Fernando Valley Employment Law Advocates for Equal Pay

California has some of the strictest laws in the nation protecting workers from receiving unequal pay for similar work. These laws have been put into place to reduce the gender discrepancy in pay and to put an end to unequal pay based on discrimination against women and racial and ethnic groups. These laws provide comprehensive coverage regarding many aspects of unequal pay practice.

If you believe you have been subjected to the illegality of unequal pay, you should avail yourself of trusted legal counsel from K2 Employment Law. Our firm is dedicated solely to employment law; thus, we are well-versed in state and federal laws regarding all aspects of employment, from unequal pay to wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, and more. We bring an abundance of experience, knowledge, and commitment to fighting for your rights in the workplace.

Unfairly paid? Contact our Northridge team at (800) 590-7674 for a complimentary equal pay consultation. 

Understanding California's Equal Pay Legislation

California’s Equal Pay Act has been in effect for decades and has been strengthened even more in recent years by various new laws and amendments occurring in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Under these new laws and amendments, the following now apply in the state:

• Employers can no longer pay lesser wages based on gender, race, or ethnicity to employees who perform substantially similar work under similar conditions (which takes into consideration skill level, effort, and responsibility, as well as the fact that jobs being compared do not have to be at the same company).
• Workers who bring claims of unequal pay violations based on these laws are now expressly protected against retaliatory measures by employers.
• Employers are not allowed to stop workers from talking about or inquiring about their own or others’ wages.
• Employers cannot ask employees about their previous salaries, try to discover what they were through other sources, or use that information in their decision-making process in regards to job and salary offers.

In order to bring a successful claim against an employer for unequal pay, you must prove that you have been paid less for similar work. Your employer will have to prove that the pay difference is not based on discrimination but on valid factors, such as seniority, production level (which is measured in some quantifiable way), education, training, experience, or some other factor other than sex, race, or ethnicity.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ensuring Fair Pay Under California Law

What is the California Equal Pay Act?
The California Equal Pay Act ensures that employees performing substantially similar work under similar conditions receive equal pay, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity.

What protections do workers have under the Equal Pay Act?
Employees are protected from:

• Pay discrimination based on gender, race, or ethnicity
• Retaliation for bringing claims of unequal pay
• Employer restrictions on discussing wages or salaries

Can my employer ask about my previous salary?
No, California law prohibits employers from asking about your previous salary or using it as a factor in job or salary offers.

What counts as “substantially similar work”?
Jobs are considered substantially similar if they require comparable skill, effort, and responsibility and are performed under similar working conditions, even if the job titles or locations differ.

How do I prove unequal pay?
To make a claim, you must show that you were paid less for substantially similar work. The employer must then prove that the pay difference is based on lawful factors such as seniority, education, or experience.

What factors can legally justify a pay difference?
Employers may justify pay differences using:

• Seniority systems
• Merit systems
• Quantifiable production measures
• Education, training, or experience unrelated to discrimination

What should I do if I believe I’ve been unfairly paid?
Document your concerns and consult with an employment law attorney. Legal professionals can help you gather evidence and determine the best course of action.

Can I discuss my wages with coworkers?
Yes, California law protects your right to discuss or inquire about wages without fear of retaliation from your employer.

 Contact our Northridge team at (800) 590-7674 for a complimentary equal pay consultation.