Can I be paid less because I’m a woman?

You cannot be paid less solely because you are a woman. This is a form of gender discrimination and this is unlawful and illegal in New Jersey.

Gender discrimination is an employer’s unfair treatment of an employee or applicant based solely on the individual’s sex as it relates to hiring, benefits, terminations, or promotions.

Protections from Gender Discrimination

There are both state and federal laws which protect employees from gender discrimination in the workplace.  The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) protects New Jersey employees from discriminatory hiring and employment practices based on the employee’s gender. This constitutes an unlawful

In addition to the NJLAD, gender discrimination is also a violation of civil rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Illegal gender discrimination under federal law includes treating an employee or applicant differently based on gender, pregnancy status, or other gender-related issues. Further, Equal Pay Act of 1963 sets the standard of equal pay for equal work. Your employer cannot pay you less than male counterparts solely because you are a woman.

What Is Considered Gender Discrimination In New Jersey?

Gender discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, and can occur between an employee and an employer, coworker, or client, even if they are the same gender as the employee. Common examples of this type of harassment include the following actions based on gender:

• Termination or Demotion
• Failure to Recruit or Hire
• Differential Treatment or Pay
• Withholding Training, Promotions or Career Advancement
• Being Subjected to Harassment or Increased Scrutiny
• The Existence of a Hostile Work Environment with Severe and Pervasive Harassment
• Terminating or Disciplining an Employee in Retaliation for Making a Complaint

What Should I Do If I Have Been The Victim Of Gender Discrimination In The Workplace?

If you believe your employer, coworker, or other work associate has discriminated against you based on your gender, you should contact an experienced gender discrimination lawyer at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. first to discuss your rights and options – which may include internal complaints or a lawsuit. Our law firm will help you every step of the way in seeking justice for unlawful gender discrimination in the workplace. Call our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation.