Here are the top 10 U.S. laws related to pay that govern wages, salaries, pay equity, and compensation practices:
1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (1938)
Establishes a federal minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor protections.
Defines exempt vs. non-exempt employee classifications.
2. Equal Pay Act (EPA) (1963)
Requires equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.
Jobs must be substantially equal in skill, effort, and responsibility.
3. Civil Rights Act – Title VII (1964)
Prohibits pay discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Covers compensation, hiring, promotions, and other employment terms.
4. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (1967)
Protects workers 40 years and older from pay and employment discrimination.
5. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990)
Prohibits pay discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.
6. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (1993)
Provides unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons.
Protects employees from retaliation for taking leave.
7. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (2009)
Expands the statute of limitations for filing pay discrimination claims.
Each discriminatory paycheck resets the time limit for filing a claim.
8. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) (1935)
Protects employees’ rights to discuss wages and organize for better pay.
Prevents employers from retaliating against employees for pay-related discussions.
9. Davis-Bacon Act (1931) & Related Prevailing Wage Laws
Requires federal contractors to pay prevailing wages to workers on government-funded projects.
10. State & Local Pay Transparency & Equity Laws
Includes laws like California’s Pay Transparency Law (SB 1162) and New York’s Pay Equity Law.
Many states require wage range disclosure and prohibit salary history inquiries.
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