Equal Pay Act

Understanding the Equal Pay Act in Chicago

Knowledgeable & Competent Chicago Lawyers

The Equal Pay Act is an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act that protects employees against being paid lower wages on account of their gender. From the outset, the Equal Pay Act was passed to empower women and level the playing field for employees in the workplace.

Although the Equal Pay Act was originally intended to protect women, it serves to protect both genders because it applies to unequal wages for either gender. Specifically, it prohibits employers from paying wages to employees at less than those of the opposite gender in circumstances where the employees are performing equal work within jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and under similar working conditions.

If you think you may be experiencing discrimination on the basis of gender, you may need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is my employer paying different wages to employees of the opposite gender?
  • Are these employees considered to be working within the same establishment?
  • Do these employees perform substantially equal work and duties which require equal skill sets, effort, and responsibility?
  • Are these duties intended to be performed under similar working conditions? Are they performed under similar working conditions?

Providing You with Reliable Counsel

If your answer to any or all of the above questions was "yes," or you suspect that your employer is not complying with the Equal Pay Act, our firm is here to help. Each working environment is unique and different industries work according to varying norms, standards, and traditions. Regardless, employers are required to comply with the Equal Pay Act.

At The Prinz Law Firm, our Chicago lawyers can review the situation and assist you to investigate the matter further. Retaining counsel is an important step towards protecting your best interests and rights.


Contact our office online or call (312) 345-6603 today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.


Find out more about equal pay in the following blogs:

Navigating Equal Pay Issues in Chicago with Local Insights 

Comprehensive Support for Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

If you’re questioning whether you’re experiencing discrimination on the basis of gender, it’s essential to enlist help from a seasoned legal professional. Our dedicated team at The Prinz Law Firm can assist you by thoroughly investigating your situation and helping you take the next necessary steps toward a resolution. 

We understand the unique challenges employees face when experiencing discrimination based on gender. Whether you’re working in downtown Chicago, one of the bustling suburbs, or the innovative tech hubs of River North, we can provide support and guidance. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of wage discrimination and protecting your rights at every step of the way. 

If you suspect that you are a victim of gender-based wage discrimination, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. We know the local landscape and are dedicated to helping you pursue fair compensation. Contact us by calling (312) 345-6603 to request a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in pursuing a just outcome.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can men also be protected under the Equal Pay Act in Chicago?

Yes, while the Equal Pay Act was initially created to address wage disparities faced by women, it equally protects men. In Chicago, if a male employee is being paid less than a female counterpart for performing substantially similar work that requires the same skill, effort, and responsibility under similar conditions, he is also protected under the Equal Pay Act. The Act is designed to ensure that all employees receive fair compensation irrespective of gender.

What is the Equal Pay Act and how does it affect employees in Chicago?

The Equal Pay Act is a federal law that prohibits wage discrimination based on gender. It mandates that employers in Chicago and across the United States must pay employees equally for equal work, regardless of their gender. This means that if two employees perform the same role, requiring the same skill, effort, and responsibility under similar working conditions, they should receive the same pay. The Act aims to eliminate the pay gap between men and women and promote fairness in the workplace.

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