California Fair Pay and Gender Discrimination Lawyers

The Fair Pay Act prevents California employers from paying workers of one sex more than workers of the opposite sex for “substantially similar work.” The Fair Pay Act applies to employers of any size.

One of the biggest changes that went into effect on January 1, 2016 include protections for differences in compensation between members of one race or ethnicity and those of another. Stated more simply, everyone should be paid the same for substantially similar work.

The second change that went into effect is that an employer cannot justify an unlawful difference in pay solely based upon an employee’s or applicant’s prior salary alone. What this means for employees is any employer who has hired someone and asked for a “salary history” and then pays a salary based upon the most recent history could be in violation of the Fair Pay Act if other employees are paid more.

California Fair Pay Act Information

The California Fair Pay Act (SB 358) was signed by Governor Brown on October 6, 2015 and went into effect on January 1, 2016. The act includes the following important provisions to protect employees in California:

Equal pay is required for employees who perform “substantially similar work, when viewed as a composite of skill, effort and responsibility
There is no requirement that employees being compared work at the same establishment
Retaliation against employees who seek to enforce the law is illegal
Employers cannot prohibit employees from discussing or asking about their co-workers’ wages
Employers must now maintain wage and other employment records for three years

California Fair Pay Act Lawyer

Christina Humphrey Law, P.C. represents employees in violations of the Fair Pay Act in litigation throughout California. Our attorneys have decades of experience with employment law claims and they have recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients.

If you or a loved one believe you have been subjected to unequal pay based upon gender, race or ethnicity, call us to set up a free consultation today at (805) 618-2924.