Legal Question in Employment Law in Ohio

Re: Wage Inequity

There may be legitimate factors that justify the pay differential, such as seniority. If not, however, you may have a claim under, among other statutes, the federal Equal Pay Act (�EPA�).

Under the EPA, you have an option of bringing legal action against the employer (i.e., a lawsuit) and/or filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (�EEOC�). If you file a charge as opposed to a lawsuit, the EEOC will do one of two things at the outset: investigate your claim or attempt to bring the parties (you and the employer) together for a mediation. If the mediation does not occur (it is voluntary) or does not result in a resolution, the EEOC will then investigate the claim and possibly attempt a mediation after its investigation is concluded and then, possibly, again attempt a mediation depending on the findings of its investigation. Either way, you will not be able to maintain anonymity. Be advised, however, that employers are legal prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing charges/complaining of discrimination.