Equal Pay for Substantially Similar Work

The principle enshrined in New York State Labor Law § 194 that mandates employees receive the same rate of pay for work that is either 'equal' or 'substantially similar' when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility, and performed under similar working conditions, regardless of their protected class status. This expanded definition aims to prevent employers from creating minor job distinctions to justify pay disparities.

The core principle of the Illinois Equal Pay Act, prohibiting employers from paying unequal wages to men and women, or to African-American employees compared to non-African-American employees, for performing the same or substantially similar work. This work must require substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility, and be performed under similar working conditions within the same county, unless a lawful reason for the disparity exists (e.g., seniority, merit, production, or job-related factors other than sex or race).