Do you suspect you’re being paid less than your colleagues for the same work? Wage discrimination is a serious issue that affects thousands of employees across New Jersey. Whether it’s based on gender, race, age, or another protected characteristic, unequal pay is not just unfair — it’s unlawful.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we fight for fair compensation and accountability. No one should have to settle for less because of who they are. If you believe you’re a victim of wage discrimination, legal options may be available to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is Wage Discrimination?
Wage discrimination occurs when an employer pays employees differently for substantially similar work based on characteristics such as:
- Gender or sex
- Race or ethnicity
- Age
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- National origin
This type of discrimination can impact base pay, bonuses, benefits, job classifications, and opportunities for advancement. In some cases, employers may mask the disparity with vague job descriptions or subjective performance reviews — but under New Jersey law, these practices are not permissible.
The Equal Pay Act and New Jersey Law
New Jersey offers some of the strongest equal pay protections in the country. The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act, signed into law in 2018, prohibits employers from paying workers less than others for substantially similar work unless the difference is based on a legitimate business factor — such as education, training, or experience — and not on a protected class.
Under this law, employers must prove that the wage differential is based on objective and job-related criteria. The law also allows victims to recover up to six years of back pay and treble damages — three times the amount of lost wages.
How to Identify Wage Discrimination
Wage discrimination isn’t always easy to spot, especially in workplaces that discourage discussions about compensation. However, there are common signs that may suggest a problem:
- Learning a colleague with similar duties earns more
- Repeated denials of raises or promotions despite strong performance
- Job responsibilities increasing without additional compensation
- Significant salary gaps between coworkers doing the same job
Steps to Take If You Suspect Wage Discrimination
If you believe you’re being underpaid compared to peers, take action:
- Document your job duties, performance reviews, and compensation history
- Compare your responsibilities and pay to that of coworkers (when possible)
- Keep a record of any HR complaints or discussions about compensation
- Consult an employment attorney to explore your legal rights and options
Wage discrimination cases often rely on detailed comparisons and documentation, so it’s essential to build a strong foundation early.
How Legal Representation Can Help
Taking on an employer over unequal pay can be intimidating. That’s where experienced legal counsel can make all the difference. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC helps workers gather evidence, evaluate their case, and pursue financial justice in wage discrimination claims. We’ve helped employees across New Jersey stand up for fair treatment — and we’re ready to help you.
If you’re ready to learn more about your rights, visit our page on Wage Discrimination to get started.
Contact Information
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC:
Our Employment Lawyers represent individuals and employees throughout the state of New Jersey. Our firm handles cases in both State and Federal Court involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, misclassification of independent contractors, whistleblower violations, pregnancy leave, and all other lawsuits involving NJ Employment laws.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC aims to be the first call that you make when you are presented with a legal issue. Our firm will assess your potential claim and determine whether it is a matter that we can handle on your behalf. In the event that it is something we cannot handle, we will provide you with references to make sure that you receive the best possible legal representation.