Wage discrimination continues to be a persistent issue in workplaces across New Jersey and the country. Despite advancements in equal pay laws, employees often find themselves receiving less compensation than their counterparts for performing substantially similar work. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are committed to helping workers understand and assert their right to fair and equal pay.
What Is Wage Discrimination?
Wage discrimination occurs when employees are paid differently based on characteristics such as gender, race, age, national origin, or other protected traits. This is not only unfair—it is illegal under both state and federal laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the federal Equal Pay Act.
Unequal pay may appear in several ways:
- A female employee paid less than a male colleague doing the same job
- Employees of color earning lower wages despite similar experience and performance
- Older workers not receiving pay raises comparable to younger peers
Equal Pay for Substantially Similar Work
New Jersey’s Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act mandates that employees performing “substantially similar work” must receive equal compensation, regardless of gender or other protected categories. This law allows employees to compare their compensation with workers in different job titles, provided the skill, effort, and responsibility required are similar.
Importantly, the law also prohibits retaliation against employees who discuss wages or file complaints about wage discrimination—empowering more workers to come forward without fear of employer reprisal.
How Employers Justify Pay Gaps—and When It’s Unlawful
Employers sometimes attempt to justify pay disparities through factors like seniority, merit, or productivity. While these can be legitimate considerations, they must be applied consistently and not as a cover for discriminatory practices. If these justifications are a pretext for discrimination, they may be challenged under the law.
What to Do If You Suspect Wage Discrimination
Wage discrimination can be hard to detect, especially in workplaces where salary transparency is discouraged. If you suspect you are being underpaid compared to others with similar responsibilities, take the following steps:
- Keep detailed records of your job duties, performance reviews, and salary history
- Speak confidentially with colleagues to compare compensation (you have a legal right to do so)
- Consult an experienced employment attorney to assess your case
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC can help you evaluate your claim, calculate potential damages, and pursue the justice you deserve through negotiation or litigation.
Visit our page on
Wage Discrimination
to learn more about how our attorneys can help protect your rights.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Address: 101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300, Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
Equal pay is not just a principle—it’s your legal right. Let NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC help you fight for the compensation you’ve earned.