Women comprise more than half of the current workforce in the United States, yet women are still earning less than men in most areas of employment, not only job-to-job but also over their lifetime. In the end, women both live longer and struggle more financially than men. As the percentage of women represented in the workforce continues to increase, the pressure is on many professions to open their doors and their paychecks to women.

America’s population is advancing both in age and technology. Logically, then, the healthcare and technology fields hold the greatest promise for women seeking high-paying, high demand careers. In some healthcare professions — such as pharmacists — men and women have reached pay parity, and many fields are expected to follow.

In many fields, men are still earning 21 percent more than women for the same job. The Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963 made it illegal to pay men and women differently for the same work. Nearly a half century later, that gap has still not closed. The EPA specifies these criteria for determining the conditions for equal pay for equal work:

• Skill — both workers have the same training, experience, education and ability to perform the job.
• Effort — how mentally and physically demanding the job is on the worker.
• Responsibilities — both workers have the same degree of accountability to superiors.
• Work conditions — including both environmental factors of the workplace and any hazards that might be present on the job.

To equalize pay between male and female workers, it is illegal to reduce the wage of one gender. It is also a violation of the EPA to hire a worker at a higher wage than one who previously held the same position, where the sole difference is based on gender. It is also illegal to grant different fringe benefits to male and female employees, or to deny benefits or maternity leave to a pregnant worker. Pregnancy is considered a temporary disability, according to the law, and an employer’s non-compliance is a serious violation of the employee’s rights.

If you suspect you have experienced workplace discrimination based on your gender, consult with an experienced employment lawyer for workers. Hanan M. Isaacs of Kingston, NJ, is ready to help you. We are a “compassionate counsel, tough advocacy” office.  Call 609-683-7400 now to make an appointment.  We offer a reduced fee initial consultation. We have flexible office hours and affordable payment plans, if you require one.