Discrimination in the Workplace

The California Equal Pay law prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of sex in the payment of wages. Therefore, male and female employees in the same classification who perform substantially the same quantity and quality of work are entitled to equal pay, unless pay differentials are based on bona fide factors other than sex, such as seniority or merit. An employer who denies a person the equal pay guaranteed by this law is liable to the affected employee for any difference in wages due the employee, plus interest. The employer is also liable for damages in an amount equal to the total amount of lost wages.

This law is enforced by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement of the State Department of Industrial Relations. If you believe your rights under the Equal Pay Law have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Division. To file a complaint, go to any of the district offices maintained by the Division's Bureau of Field Enforcement. You can find the address of the office nearest you by consulting your telephone directory. The headquarter office's general information number is (415) 703-4590.