Are you being paid less than a coworker who does the same work as you in Arizona? If so, you may have the right to take legal action under Arizona’s equal pay laws. Houk Employment Attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for the wages you’ve earned.
Our employment lawyers have 45 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for workers across Arizona. We know what it takes to stand up to employers that violate pay equity laws, and we’re ready to protect your rights from start to finish.
Contact our law offices at (480) 569-2377 for a consultation with an experienced Arizona equal pay lawyer.
How Houk Employment Attorneys Can Help With Your Equal Pay Case in Arizona
Unequal pay cases can be difficult to prove without the right evidence and legal guidance. Employers work hard to escape liability in these circumstances because there is a lot at stake for them if they get caught. If you’re facing a situation like this, you may need a knowledgeable Phoenix wage and hour dispute attorney on your side who knows how to investigate these claims and expose unfair practices.
When you hire Houk Employment Attorneys, we can:
- Review your pay records and compare them to coworkers’ wages
- Identify whether your employer’s pay structure violates state or federal law
- Collect evidence from HR files, performance reviews, and payroll data
- Work with employment and economic experts to analyze wage disparities
- Negotiate directly with your employer for fair pay
- File a lawsuit if necessary to recover lost wages and other damages
Our employment law firm in Phoenix, AZ, handles every case we take on with professionalism and discretion. We’ll make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected, so call today to get started with an initial consultation.
A Brief Overview of the Equal Pay Laws in Arizona
Arizona law requires employers to pay employees equal wages for equal work, regardless of their gender. The state’s equal pay requirements mirror the protections established under the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Arizona Equal Pay Law
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-341, it’s illegal for employers to discriminate in pay based on sex for the same classification of work in terms of quantity and quality.
This means that if a woman and a man perform the same job with the same duties and qualifications, their pay must generally be the same.
Differences are only allowed if they are based on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors such as:
- Properly implemented seniority systems
- Merit-based performance systems
- Factors other than sex (such as education)
If a violation is proven, employees may be entitled to recover back pay and additional damages.
Federal Protections
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) and Title VII provide similar protection on a national level. The Equal Pay Act applies to most employers whose business activities involve interstate commerce, as broadly defined under federal law, while Title VII covers companies with 15 or more employees.
What Counts as “Equal Work”?
One of the biggest questions in an equal pay claim is what qualifies as “equal work.” The law doesn’t require that two jobs be identical, only that they typically involve substantially similar responsibility, effort, and skill.
Courts may look at factors such as:
- Job duties and responsibilities
- Required education, training, and experience
- Working conditions and location
- The amount of effort and physical or mental skill involved
For example, two employees who perform the same role under different titles, such as “administrative assistant” and “office coordinator,” may still qualify for equal pay protection if their work is essentially the same.
What Remedies Are Available Under Arizona’s Equal Pay Laws?
If your employer violates equal pay laws, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- Back pay for lost wages and benefits
- Liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages (under federal law)
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Changes to the pay structure and/or the reinstatement of your position
- Compensatory or punitive damages (for willful violations under Title VII)
Equal pay cases also play a larger role in holding employers accountable and encouraging fair pay practices across workplaces.
How Long Do I Have to File an Equal Pay Claim in Arizona?
The time limit to file an equal pay claim in Arizona depends on many factors, such as the exact type of legal action you are taking and under what law(s). If you believe you have a valid claim, it is best to contact an employment attorney as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and could cause you to walk away with less compensation than you’re actually due under the law or even potentially nothing at all.
Contact Our Arizona Equal Pay Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You deserve to be paid fairly for your work. If you believe your employer is paying you less because of your gender in Phoenix, Arizona, Houk Employment Attorneys can help.
Our Arizona equal pay attorneys have 45 years of combined experience standing up for workers’ rights and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in the process. We’re confident that we can help you make things right and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Call today or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll help you take the first step toward equal treatment and fair pay under Arizona law.
