Despite decades of progress, wage discrimination remains a reality for many employees across New Jersey. Whether due to gender, race, age, or another protected characteristic, being paid less for the same work is not only unjust—it’s illegal. Fortunately, New Jersey has some of the strongest laws in the nation to address these injustices.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is proud to support workers in standing up against unfair pay practices. Our experienced team is committed to helping you uncover wage disparities, understand your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is Wage Discrimination?
Wage discrimination occurs when two employees performing substantially similar work receive different compensation without a lawful reason. This can involve differences in base salary, bonuses, benefits, stock options, or opportunities for overtime. Often, wage discrimination is hidden, discovered only when workers discuss pay or access records.
In New Jersey, this form of discrimination is prohibited by both federal and state laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act.
Key Protections Under New Jersey Law
The Equal Pay Act, enacted in 2018, expanded the protections for New Jersey employees by:
- Requiring equal pay for “substantially similar work,” not just identical roles
- Protecting all protected classes under NJLAD, including gender, race, age, and disability
- Allowing employees to compare their pay with workers in different facilities under the same employer
- Enabling workers to recover up to six years of back pay and triple damages in some cases
Unlike some federal laws, New Jersey does not require proof of intent to discriminate—if unequal pay exists without a valid explanation, that alone may be enough to establish a violation.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Wage Discrimination
It can be difficult to know whether you are being underpaid. Here are some potential red flags:
- You discover coworkers with similar responsibilities are earning more
- You are denied raises or promotions without clear justification
- Your job duties increase but your pay remains the same
- You are discouraged from discussing wages with others
If any of these situations apply to you, it’s time to speak with an employment lawyer who can help you assess the legality of your employer’s actions.
What to Do If You Suspect Wage Discrimination
If you believe you’re not being paid fairly, take the following steps:
- Keep Records: Document your responsibilities, performance reviews, and any pay-related communications.
- Gather Comparisons: Try to obtain data about other employees doing similar work.
- Consult an Attorney: Legal guidance is crucial in understanding your rights and building a case under state and federal law.
New Jersey law protects employees from retaliation for discussing wages or filing a discrimination complaint. Don’t let fear keep you from fighting for your worth.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Is Here for You
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’re not just lawyers—we’re advocates for fairness. We’ve helped countless employees across New Jersey challenge wage discrimination and recover lost income. Our approach is strategic, compassionate, and results-driven.
If you suspect your pay is being unfairly influenced by discriminatory practices, learn more about your rights under New Jersey wage discrimination laws.
Contact Our Team
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
(973) 358-7027
Don’t let your hard work go undervalued. We’re ready to help you take a stand for equal pay.
