How is pay discrimination investigated in Kyle?

Kyle, TX – Workers all have the right to be paid a fair amount for their labor, and there are various regulations set by the government to ensure laws related to pay are followed. In addition to things like minimum wage and overtime laws, a worker cannot be paid substantially less than another person doing the same work. When this happens it is known as pay discrimination, and the person who is not being paid correctly can take action. There are attorneys who focus on suing companies for illegal pay practices for their clients. 

Defining pay discrimination

Pay discrimination is when someone is paid inappropriately based on their membership in a protected class. Protected classes include things like race, gender, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. Workers who are doing similar tasks and have similar seniority should be paid at similar rates within a company. These rules are described in a law called the Equal Pay Act that is meant to cover most employers who have at least a certain number of employees. 

When the government gets involved in illegal pay practices

There are various government agencies such as the federal EEOC and Texas Workforce Commission who have the authority to look into illegal pay practices and investigate employers if necessary. After a worker submits a formal claim about illegal pay, these agencies can ask the employer for various records and other pieces of evidence. They will be looking to meet the elements of pay discrimination, which includes that the worker was both qualified for the position and that they were a member of a protected class, as well as evidence that the employer paid the person differently based on their membership in that class. Investigators will generally review the salaries of a number of different individuals working in the same or similar capacities in order to determine if there are serious discrepancies that can give rise to a pay discrimination claim. 

Remedies for improper pay practices

A worker who is successful in a case for unpaid wages or wage discrimination can ask for certain types of damages. This normally includes the specific amounts that the person can show that they should have been paid if the discrimination had not occurred. If the victim was denied overtime or other benefits, this may be factored into the damages in the lawsuit as well. 

Labor lawyers are available

Moore and Associates is a labor law practice that works with employees in Texas. Workers in Kyle or other cities who need advice about unpaid wages, overtime, sexual harassment, or discrimination can contact their attorneys.

USAttorneys.com is a service that works with people who need to find lawyers in their area. Anyone who needs assistance getting a referral to a local attorney can call 800-672-3103 for help.

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775

www.mooreandassociates.net