South Jersey Employment Discrimination Lawyers on the Fight to End Wage Discrimination in the Workplace

Race and gender discrimination in the workplace has affected millions of Americans for decades. Despite legislation designed to protect workers, wage discrimination remains commonplace today. More than five decades have passed since the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1963, but today women still make an average of 80 cents to the dollar that men are paid. While some social programs have been set into motion to fight the wage gap, and it is indeed slowly closing, positive change for the women and racial minority groups in the country cannot come quickly enough.

A recent survey of North Carolina workers revealed that a white woman makes roughly 86 cents to a white male’s dollar. Asian women make only 78 cents to the dollar; African American women only 64; Native American women 59; and Latina women earn a mere 48 cents. This striking disparity proves true across all levels of education and skill, with women who hold doctorates making less than men who have master’s degrees, according to experts. Women who have masters make less than men who have bachelor’s. A female cardiologist will make about two-thirds what a male cardiologist does, while a female janitor makes about a third compared to her male counterpart.

The Changing Wage Gap

The wage gap also varies significantly within the United States, changing not only between states but districts as well. In one state, the largest level of disparity sees a gap of about 27 cents, while the lowest gap is only about three. Social scientists predict that if progressive legislation continues at the current rate, women will see roughly equal pay with men by the year 2060, not counting executive level employment. One source reported that there are currently more Chief Executive Officers in the corporate workplace named John than there are female executive officers combined.

Currently, standing legislation known as the Paycheck Fairness Act seeks to reduce or end the wage gap. The bill is targeting loopholes present in the Equal Pay Act from over 50 years ago, by forcing employers to show that any discrepancy in payment is due to a legitimate reason, not from gender or race. The Act also prevents employers from retaliating against employees if they discuss their salary with coworkers and superiors. Finally, the bill institutes a training program for women for wage negotiation. Only time will tell if the United States is willing to move forward and end the wage gap between white men and women and other racial groups.

South Jersey Employment Discrimination Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates P.C. Represent Victims of Wage Discrimination

If you have been impacted by wage discrimination, you have the right to seek justice and fair compensation. The South Jersey employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates P.C. are dedicated to representing those who have been victimized by the loopholes in the Equal Pay Act. Contact us online or call 215-569-1999 to arrange a free case evaluation. Our office is conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia, and represents clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.