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.

Can You Talk About Pay at Work? 

Absolutely! Discussing pay at work can cover a variety of topics, such as understanding your salary, negotiating raises, and knowing your worth in the job market.

• Understanding Your Salary: It's important to know how your salary compares to industry standards. 
• Negotiating Raises: If you feel your pay doesn't reflect your contributions, it might be time to negotiate a raise. Prepare by documenting your achievements, understanding your market value, and practicing your pitch.
• Benefits and Bonuses: Pay isn't just about the base salary. Consider the full compensation package, including bonuses, health benefits, retirement plans, and other perks.
• Transparency and Fairness: Some companies are moving towards pay transparency to ensure fairness and reduce wage gaps. Understanding your company's pay structure can help you navigate your career path.
• Legal Rights: Be aware of your rights regarding pay, such as minimum wage laws, overtime pay, and equal pay for equal work.