Not only does a wage gap exist between people of color and white colleagues, but there is also a discrepancy in pay between genders. In this blog, our New Jersey employment law team explores the gender wage gap, and what we can do to help fight against it.

Looking at the Numbers

When looking at the gender wage gap, there are two different numbers to consider:

  • The uncontrolled gender pay gap: Measuring the median salary for all men and all women regardless of factors like job type, seniority, location, industry, and years of experience.
  • The controlled gender pay gap: Measuring the median salary for men and women who hold the same job with the same qualifications.

In 2021, women are earning $0.82 for every $1 earned by men under the uncontrolled wage gap, while women are earning $0.98 for every $1 earned by men under the controlled wage gap according to payscale.

Apart from the wage gap simply between men and women, the difference in pay is even larger between women of all races and ethnic groups and white men. Native American women and Native Alaskan women suffer the largest gap, earning $0.69 for every $1 earned by white men, while Black women earn $0.97 for every $1 earned by white men.

Fighting For Equal Pay

Fighting for equality in pay may seem like a daunting task that is out of our control, but this is untrue. One way women have worked to accomplish this is by utilizing class action lawsuits.

Class action lawsuits occur when a group of individuals who have all been affected in similar ways files a single lawsuit to seek compensation as a group. While these are often filed against manufacturers whose negligence has caused injuries to consumers, they can also be used by women who have collectively suffered from the gender wage gap.

One of the benefits of these lawsuits is they do not cost nearly as much as filing individual claims, with costs being split between all of the plaintiffs.

Contact our New Jersey Employment Law Team Today

We understand the difficulty and frustration that comes with not being paid the amount you are owed. With compassion and persistence, we aim to make the world a safer and more equitable place for those who have been afflicted.

Get in touch with us today through our website or give us a call at 856-751-5505 to find out how we can help you pursue the justice you deserve.