Over the last several decades, the differences in earnings between men and women have caused frustration for many who advocate for fair pay. The issue, which has been prominent since the 1960s, seemed to be mitigated during the 1980s and 1990s when many women earned degrees and work experience that allowed them some measure of advancement in the workplace, increasing pay for many women. However, that progress has since stalled, leaving women stuck making nearly 20 percent less on average than their male counterparts.
A 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics study of full-time wage earnings showed that in the U.S., women made a weekly median wage of $821, while men in the same job made a median amount of $1,007 per week. This discrepancy amounts to a wage of 81 cents earned by a woman for every dollar earned by a man.
How has the Issue Been Addressed?
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was created to eliminate the pay gap between men and women, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The law states that work tasks do not have to be identical for the law to define them as equal, but they must be similar. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also addresses pay discrimination based on sex, stating that it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
While much progress has been made in low and mid-level jobs, fewer opportunities exist for women to obtain higher paying jobs in executive level positions. This is often due to the tendency of women taking time off from their careers to tend to children or other family obligations.
What are Some Solutions to the Issue of Equal Pay for Women?
One of the major solutions being offered to address the gender pay gap is pay transparency, which would require companies to make pay rates public. A study that appeared in the American Sociological Review suggests that having women in top positions has a trickle-down effect on the pay received by women in lower positions, as the mere presence of female managers changes the work culture in a way that may impact employee pay. In a similar vein, many have advocated meeting a quota of women on corporate boards.
Economists have proposed changes to employer expectations for when and where work takes place, suggesting that more home-work balance will even out the gender wage gap by putting less emphasis on workers who log long hours or keep traditional workdays.
South Jersey Employment Lawyers at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC Represent Employees in Equal Pay Lawsuits
If you are experiencing discrimination at work due to your gender, speak with the South Jersey employment lawyers at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC today. We can help you determine if you have legal basis for your complaint and help you seek fair redress through the court system. Contact us online or call 856-235-7075 for a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Burlington County, and Camden County.