Unequal Pay Lawyer in Orange County, CA
Are you tired of working hard but not receiving the pay you deserve? Have you been struggling to make ends meet because of unequal wages in your workplace? If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, unequal pay is a prevalent issue in today’s workforce, and it can be frustrating and disheartening to experience it firsthand.
At MJB Law Group, we understand the emotional and financial toll unequal pay can take on an individual and their family. Our team of experienced Orange County employment lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers like you who have been mistreated.
What is Unequal Pay?
Unequal pay occurs when employees performing substantially similar work are paid different wages based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, or disability status.
Getting paid less than you deserve can have a devastating effect on your life, your career, and your future. It can result in a significant loss of income and prevent you from advancing in your career and receiving better benefits.
It can even damage your self-esteem and sense of self-worth, further jeopardizing future employment opportunities.
Wage Disparities in California
According to a 2020 National Women’s Law Center report, women in California earn only 88 cents for every dollar men earn. This means they lose out on $7,200 every year because of unequal pay. It gets even worse if you’re a mother.
In California, mothers only make 62 cents for every dollar men earn.
Women of color in California even face larger wage gaps. According to the report, Black women earn just 64 cents, while Latina women only earn 54 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men. Native American women earn the least, just 51 cents.
What is the California Fair Pay Act?
On October 6, 2015, Governor Brown enacted the California Fair Pay Act (SB 358), which took effect on January 1, 2016. This law provides essential protections for California workers, ensuring equal pay for those engaged in “substantially similar work” in terms of effort, skill, and responsibility, even if they work at different locations.
Retaliation against employees who enforce the law is illegal, and workers are allowed to discuss and inquire about their colleagues’ salaries.
If you do ask how much others at your company make, your employer cannot refuse you this information. Additionally, employers must keep wage and employment records for three years as part of the new legislation.
Winning the Fight Against Unequal Pay with MJB Law Group
Proving unequal pay can be a complex and challenging process. When you hire MJB Law Group, our employment lawyers will go to work to prove your unequal pay claim.
To do this, we must prove two main elements:
- That you and your colleagues are paid differently
- That you perform substantially similar work
1. Collecting and Comparing Pay Differences
The first step in proving unequal pay is gathering evidence of wage disparities. We begin by collecting and comparing differences in pay between you and your colleagues. This involves reviewing:
- Pay stubs
- Tax records
- Other documents that clearly show discrepancies in compensation.
This analysis establishes the foundation of your case by demonstrating that unequal pay exists.
2. Establishing Substantially Similar Work
Once pay differences are confirmed, the next step is determining if you and your colleagues perform substantially similar work. Your employer may argue that your co-workers have different job responsibilities to justify the pay gap.
To counter this, we carefully examine:
- Job descriptions
- The actual duties performed by you and your colleagues
Our goal is to show that your role aligns with those who are being paid more.
3. Analyzing Job Duties and Performance Records
We dive deeper into your case by reviewing performance records and additional documents. This process ensures we can demonstrate that:
- You perform the same or similar duties as your higher-paid colleagues.
- Your performance on the job is equal to or better than theirs.
These insights are essential to building a strong argument against your employer’s claims.
4. Filing an Unequal Pay Lawsuit
If the evidence confirms that you and a co-worker with the same job are paid differently, we take legal action. MJB Law Group will file an unequal pay lawsuit on your behalf to hold your employer accountable.
This lawsuit focuses on proving that the wage disparity is due to discrimination rather than legitimate business factors.
Our experienced employment lawyers can help you to build a strong case and take legal action to recover the compensation you deserve. We can collect and analyze pay data, identify discriminatory practices, and seek expert testimony to support your claim.
Take a Stand Against Unequal Pay Today
Unequal pay is more than just unfair—it’s a violation of your rights. You work hard and deserve compensation that reflects your effort, skills, and contributions, free from discrimination. At MJB Law Group, we are committed to fighting for justice in the workplace and holding employers accountable for wage disparities.
Don’t let another day go by accepting less than what you’re worth. Contact us now and get a FREE case evaluation.
We’re here to guide you through the process of securing the pay you deserve. Your fight for equality starts here—let us help you win it.
Facing Workplace Challenges Beyond Unequal Pay?
Are you dealing with FMLA law violations, harassment, wrongful termination, or retaliation? No matter the challenge, our team is committed to ensuring that your workplace remains fair, respectful, and free from injustice.
Serving clients across Orange County, CA, and the surrounding areas, including Anaheim, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach, we’re here to support you every step of the way.