LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Nov. 17 against Spec Formliners Inc. of Santa Ana, California, over allegations of paying a female sales representative less than a male sales representative.
EEOC charges Spec Formliners with providing a lower base pay to a female sales representative than a male representative. Additionally, the female sales representative allegedly had to sell more to earn the same commission as the male. Purported conduct of this nature violates the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
“One of EEOC's strategic enforcement priorities is to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work,” said Anna Park, regional attorney for EEOC's Los Angeles District, which includes California's Orange County. “Depriving women of equal pay can have an impact beyond just the individuals involved.”
EEOC seeks back pay and liquidated damages, as well as compensatory and punitive damages, for the female employee.
“Employees deserve equal compensation when completing the same work, regardless of their gender,” said Rosa Viramontes, district director for EEOC's Los Angeles District. “Employers need to be aware that disparities in pay for employees of opposite sexes can be a violation of the law.”
According to Spec Formliners’ website, the company develops form liner patterns for various concrete projects.