Anaheim Equal Pay Discrimination Lawyer

Equal Pay Discrimination Attorney in Anaheim, CA

When employees doing the same amount of work are paid differently for that work, that can be considered a form of workplace discrimination. This is especially true if that pay disparity is because of those employees’ gender, race, religion, or other protected class. It’s important to look into the reasons why you may be making less than your colleagues, and if you discover discrimination, you should reach out to an Anaheim equal pay discrimination lawyer for help.

The legal team at Kristy & Kananen understands how hard it can be to stand up for yourself against your employer in an equal pay discrimination case. You may be too concerned about losing your job to do anything about this, and that’s understandable. An Anaheim equal pay discrimination attorney can help protect you from unlawful retaliation and better understand how the state’s equal pay discrimination laws affect you. Our firm knows what to do.

How to Protect Yourself Against Equal Pay Discrimination

If you choose to move forward with an equal pay discrimination case in Anaheim, your case may be heard in the Orange County Superior Court, which can be found in the Central Justice Center in nearby Santa Ana. If your claim is federal and backed by the EEOC, it may be decided in federal court. According to the EEOC, there were 74 cases of workplace discrimination in California in 2024 directly related to the Equal Pay Act.

The most important thing you can do for yourself in a case of equal pay discrimination is document these interactions. The more evidence you have of an unfair pay disparity and discrimination, the better your chances of seeking damages and accountability. In 2024, women in the United States made 87 cents for every dollar a man made, while in California, women made up 53% of the workforce in the lowest pay range. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

• Gather evidence. First and foremost, you need to start collecting evidence that supports your claim. This evidence can take the form of pay stubs, your job description, any performance reviews, and proper documentation of your colleagues’ wages compared to your own. This is vital to proving unequal pay for significantly similar work.
• Request pay information. There is nothing wrong with asking your employer about the pay scale connected to your position, nor is it illegal to discuss your pay with your coworkers. Some employers may threaten consequences for discussing pay at work, but any retaliation against an Equal Pay Act violation can only benefit your legal case. Ask around to find out where your salary ranks in the company.
• File a complaint. If you bring this concern to your employer and nothing is done, you should consider filing a formal complaint with a state or federal agency. First, file an Equal Pay Act complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office. They may pursue legal action on your behalf. Next, file a discrimination complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Contact a lawyer. An attorney can help you file the appropriate complaints with the appropriate agencies and then determine your next steps. A lawyer can assist you in consolidating all of your evidence into a coherent case, communicate with your employer on your behalf, and represent your interests in court if it comes to that.
• Document retaliation. If you pursue legal action against your employer for an Equal Pay Act violation, it’s not uncommon for employers to demote you, cut your pay, or just outright terminate your employment. While California is an at-will employment state, it’s still illegal for an employer to fire you in retaliation. If this happens, add it to your case and tell your lawyer.

FAQs

What Is Considered Equal Pay Discrimination Under California Law?

Under California law, equal pay discrimination is any action that involves paying one employee less than another employee for substantially similar work due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected class. The jobs do not need to be identical, but the work does have to be similar in skill level, effort, and responsibility. If you believe you are being discriminated against, contact an employment lawyer.

How Do I Prove Unequal Pay for Substantially Similar Work in Anaheim?

A: The most reliable way to prove unequal pay for substantially similar work in Anaheim is by gathering as much evidence as you can find that supports your claim. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to be successful in your case. Gather your pay stubs, offer letters, performance reviews, and evidence of your colleagues’ pay as well. Bring this evidence to a lawyer and start building your case.

What Compensation Can I Recover in an Equal Pay Discrimination Claim?

If you move forward with an equal pay discrimination claim, you can generally recover compensation in the form of back pay plus interest, front pay for future lost earnings, legal fees, court costs, and possibly punitive damages if the court deems your employer’s actions to be particularly malicious. If your employer offers a settlement amount, don’t take it if you feel it doesn’t accurately reflect your damages. Propose a counteroffer.

How Can an Anaheim Equal Pay Discrimination Lawyer Help Me Enforce My Rights?

There are many ways that an Anaheim equal pay discrimination lawyer can help you enforce your rights. Primarily, your lawyer can evaluate your evidence, build you a solid case, and assist you in filing claims with the proper state and/or federal agencies. They can also represent you during settlement negotiations, making sure that you aren’t taken advantage of further by your employer. The help of an equal pay discrimination lawyer may be invaluable.

Hire an Equal Pay Discrimination Lawyer Today

If your employer takes advantage of you and refuses to pay you the same as your colleagues, you should hire an equal pay discrimination lawyer to represent your case and help you seek compensation. At Kristy & Kananen, we have decades of experience helping our clients work through employment complications. We can bring that experience to your case. Contact us to speak to someone who can help.