Equal Pay Act, 1963

Meaning & Definition

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is a piece of federal legislation passed by the U.S. government that mandates that employers shall pay male and female wage-earners who are performing essentially the same type of job; the Equal Pay Act prohibits any wage discrimination against women based on the basis of their gender in the workplace. The law looks to end the wage disparity based on gender and ensure employees performing similar jobs with similar skill sets and responsibilities receive equitable and fair compensation without discrimination based on their gender.

Important features of the Equal Pay Act

• To promote equal pay between genders.
• Prohibit pay discrimination against employees.
• Promote pay systems and practices that are fair and transparent.
• Promote gender equality and inclusion in the workplace.
• To protect employees from pay discrimination.

Legal & Regulatory Considerations 

Under the Equal Pay Act 1963, employers are required by law to pay equal wages for jobs which are equal in skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions. The Code on Wages in India addresses the same issues as the Equal Pay Act, and prevents paying men and women differently for the same job.