Equal Pay Act in Washington D.C.: Understanding Your Rights and Protections

Let Our Washington D.C. EPA Attorney Fight For Your Rights

The Equal Pay Act (EPA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1963 to prohibit pay discrimination on the basis of gender. The law requires that employers pay men and women equal wages for equal work, and provides protections against retaliation for employees who seek to enforce their rights under the law.

In Washington DC, the EPA applies to all employers who are covered by federal wage and hour laws.

Here's what you need to know about the EPA and how it applies in Washington DC:

• Coverage

The EPA applies to all employers who are covered by federal wage and hour laws, which includes most private employers as well as federal, state, and local governments. The law covers all forms of compensation, including salaries, wages, bonuses, and benefits.

• Equal Work

To be covered by the EPA, the work performed by men and women must be substantially similar in terms of skill, effort, and responsibility, and must be performed under similar working conditions.

• Remedies

If an employer is found to have violated the EPA, the employee may be entitled to back pay, liquidated damages, and attorneys' fees and costs. Additionally, employers may be subject to civil fines and penalties for violating the law.

Prohibited Actions Under the EPA

Under the EPA, employers are prohibited from paying employees of one gender less than employees of the opposite gender for substantially similar work. Additionally, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who seek to enforce their rights under the law.

Enforcement of EPA in Washington D.C.

The EPA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, which investigates complaints of pay discrimination and other violations of federal wage and hour laws. Employees who believe that they have been subjected to pay discrimination can file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division, and may also be able to file a private lawsuit to enforce their rights under the law.

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If you have questions or concerns about pay discrimination or the Equal Pay Act in Washington DC, it's important to speak with our experienced employment law attorney. We can protect you from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Call today or contact us online!

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