Fighting Equal Pay Law Violations
Serving Clients Throughout Maryland, the DMV Area, North Carolina, and Federal Employees Throughout the U.S.
Being underpaid at work due to discriminatory practices can leave you feeling disheartened and powerless. However, you don't have to suffer in silence. There are laws—such as the Equal Pay Act of 1963—designed to protect employees from unfair pay disparities based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics.
At the Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo LLC, we understand how overwhelming and stressful equal pay law violations can be for the employees affected. We are committed to using our extensive experience handling these types of cases to help our clients seek justice.
Our Annapolis-based law firm offers legal representation to clients in:
- Maryland
- Washington, DC
- Virginia
By understanding your rights as an employee and knowing where to turn for help—namely, engaging a qualified attorney like Attorney Azeredo - you can position yourself for success in achieving equality in the workplace and equitable compensation for your hard work and dedication.
Contact the Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo online or call our office at (240) 734-3033. For your convenience, we provide legal services in both English and Spanish.
Understanding the Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act (EPA), a federal law enacted in 1963, mandates all employers to provide equal pay, regardless of gender, for equal work. This act ensures that all workers are awarded the same compensation for a job that requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which is conducted under similar working conditions. The law applies to all employers who engage in interstate commerce, including federal, state, and local government agencies.
The Equal Pay Act is one of the most significant pieces of legislation to combat discrimination and advocate for gender equality in the workplace. However, it is not the only law in place protecting workers from pay discrimination. Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) all prohibit compensation discrimination based on certain federally protected categories. Specifically, employers are prohibited from paying workers differently or providing different benefits based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
Please contact our law firm to learn more about these important laws and how they impact your case.
What to Do If You Are Facing Compensation Discrimination
If you suspect you are dealing with pay discrimination, it is important to take action. The first step is to gather information about your company's pay policies and practices. You can do this by reviewing your employment contract or your employee handbook. It is also a good idea to research industry standards for similar roles. If you find that you are being paid less than others with similar qualifications and experience, and you believe your employer may be in violation of equal pay laws, it may be time to seek legal counsel.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may need to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If you are considering filing an EEOC charge under the EPA (or another law), you are encouraged to consult with a skilled attorney familiar with handling such cases. There are strict judicial guidelines that must be followed when making an EEOC complaint or filing a lawsuit, and working with a reliable, experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
We Offer Strong Advocacy to Employees
Remember, pay discrimination is illegal, and you have the right to fair compensation for your work. The Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo was founded in 2003, and for 20 years, we have been helping workers (including federal employees) protect their rights and fight back against pay discrimination. As a law firm, we take a client-first approach, always prioritizing our clients’ best interests.
We can represent employees facing a variety of wage-related issues, including:
- Wage discrimination
- Unpaid wages
- Commission disputes
- Employment classification issues
- Improper paycheck deductions
Attorney Azeredo has developed a strong reputation for fierce advocacy and an impressive track record of success. When managing a case, we always take the time to thoroughly research the situation, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients. From helping clients understand all their legal options to representing them in court, the Law Office of Ruth Ann Azeredo is here to help workers seek justice.
When you need help protecting your rights in the workplace, turn to us. Call our team at (240) 734-3033 or send us a message online to learn more. We even offer virtual appointments.