The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires equal pay for equal work for men and women employees in the same workplace. The work of the two genders need not be identical, but they must be equal in nature. Work content (not job title) determines whether work is equal in nature. This Act applies to all forms of remuneration, including wages, overtime pay, bonuses, stock options, profit sharing and bonus plans, life insurance, holiday wages, cleaning or gasoline allowances, hotel accommodation, travel expense reimbursement and benefits. If the wages of men and women are unequal, employers may not reduce the wages of male or female employees to make them equal.
Individuals who allege violations of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act can go directly to the court without having to file a complaint with the employer in advance.
Equal Pay for Equal Work and Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination in the payment of wages and benefits is illegal. Therefore, a person can bring a complaint under the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
Other Types of Discrimination
Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, ethnic origin, age or disability is prohibited. Different from the Law on Equal Pay for Equal Work, there is no requirement that jobs must be equal in nature.