North Carolina - Equal Pay/Discrimination?

[steffi0412]

I have been with my current employer for 2-1/2 years. My job duties and responsibilities are identical to those of my male co-worker of 1-1/2 years, however, I am paid substantially less (approx. $21,000). I have asked for a salary increase on several occasions, but I've been told they cannot afford to increase my pay because they have to pay so much to my co-worker.

My co-worker & I are equally qualified and experienced, the only difference being that we have slightly different job titles... but the work is the same, split equally.

My employer also informed me last week, that I am expected to work more hours than my co-worker, since he is married and I am not, so therefore I have no life outside of work. (He literally said that!)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Betty3]

It certainly sounds like it could be a violation of the equal pay act. Are you & your co-worker the only ones that do your exact job? (seems so) Do you know why the "slightly" difference in job titles?

[cyjeff]

And how many people work for your company?

[mitousmom]

And how many people work for your company?

Employee size is irrelevant for the Equal Pay Act (EPA). However, the EPA won't address the number of hours worked because of your marital state.

How does your employer determine pay? Do you know why your employer is paying the male more? Did he negotiate his starting pay? Has he received any wage increases since his hire?