What requirement does the Equal Pay Act impose on employers?

The Equal Pay Act mandates that employers must pay equal wages to men and women who perform equivalent work, in terms of skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, within the same establishment. This means that it is essential for employers to evaluate the nature of the jobs being performed, ensuring that any wage disparities that exist are not based on gender. By imposing this requirement, the Act aims to eliminate wage discrimination and promote fairness in the workplace.

The focus on similar work underscores the legislation's goal of achieving pay equity, making it a fundamental principle in ensuring gender equality in compensation across various job roles. While seniority, overtime pay, and access to training programs are important issues, they are not specific mandates outlined by the Equal Pay Act itself. This legislation is specifically centered on the compensation aspect to address systemic wage disparities based on gender.