Fair compensation is not just a workplace perk—it is a legal right. Yet pay disparities continue to impact employees across industries. Whether the issue involves unequal base salary, bonuses, promotions, or benefits, New Jersey workers are protected by some of the strongest equal pay laws in the country. If you suspect wage discrimination, consulting an experienced Employment Lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue appropriate remedies.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is dedicated exclusively to employment law and represents employees throughout New Jersey in wage and hour disputes, including equal pay claims. The firm combines in-depth legal knowledge with strategic advocacy to help clients recover the compensation they deserve.
The Legal Foundation of Equal Pay Protections
Equal pay protections arise under both federal and New Jersey law. The federal Equal Pay Act requires that men and women receive equal pay for substantially equal work. However, New Jersey has gone further.
The Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act amended the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to provide expanded protections. Under this law, employers cannot pay members of a protected class less than others for “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility.
Importantly, protected classes under New Jersey law extend beyond gender and include race, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. This means pay discrimination claims may arise in a variety of contexts.
What Counts as “Substantially Similar Work”?
Job titles alone do not determine whether positions are comparable. Courts look at the actual duties performed, the level of responsibility, required skills, and working conditions. Employers cannot avoid liability simply by assigning different titles to employees who perform largely the same tasks.
Differences in pay may be lawful if they are based on legitimate factors such as seniority, merit, or measurable productivity. However, those justifications must be applied consistently and cannot mask discriminatory intent.
Castronovo & McKinney carefully reviews payroll records, job descriptions, performance evaluations, and company policies to determine whether wage disparities are supported by legitimate, non-discriminatory factors.
Retaliation for Discussing Wages
Employees are legally protected when discussing compensation with coworkers or raising concerns about pay practices. If an employer disciplines, demotes, reduces hours, or terminates an employee for questioning unequal pay, that conduct may constitute unlawful retaliation.
New Jersey’s equal pay law also provides enhanced remedies for employees who experience retaliation after seeking legal advice or disclosing wage information. These protections reinforce the state’s commitment to transparency and fairness in compensation practices.
Damages Available in Equal Pay Claims
Employees who prevail in equal pay claims may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Back pay for wage differentials
- Front pay for future losses
- Lost bonuses and benefits
- Treble damages in certain cases under New Jersey law
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
Because New Jersey law allows recovery for up to six years of discriminatory pay practices in some cases, the financial impact of a successful claim can be substantial.
Why Early Legal Guidance Matters
Wage discrimination cases are often complex and document-intensive. Employers may argue that pay differences are justified by performance, experience, or market conditions. Proving otherwise requires careful analysis and strategic presentation of evidence.
Castronovo & McKinney prepares each case with precision, whether pursuing negotiated settlements or litigating in court. The firm represents clients throughout Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Morris County, and beyond, always working to secure meaningful results.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
If you believe you are being paid unfairly due to discrimination or retaliation, timely legal advice can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973-920-7888
Email: tom@cmlaw.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and learn how experienced employment law representation can help you pursue equal pay and workplace fairness.