Legal Question in Employment Law in California
wages
I'm being paid $4.00 to $8.oo hr lower than my peers make in this area. My boss says it's because I usually print simple black over black jobs. Can I demand a higher hourly rate for specific types of jobs like multi color and 4 color work that are more difficult to do as a way for me make closer to what I should without violating any legal laws? How do you suggest I go about doing this legally?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: wages
Wages are subject to negotiation between the employer and the employee. If you cannot agree on what you are worth, you don't work there. The only limitations are that you must be paid no less than minimum wage and you cannot be paid less due to some discriminatory reason, for example, your age, race, religion, gender, etc.
It is never a good idea to demand anything from your employer. The better approach is to go in with a plan to sell your employer on why you both benefit by paying you a higher wage, i.e. increased productivity, broadening of work coverage, whatever you can think of. If they still refuse, it is time to think of working someplace where you will be appreciated. But don't burn your bridges behind you.