Equal Pay Act of 1963

Also known as: EPA

Signed into law by John F. Kennedy
June 10, 1963

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 generally requires covered employers to provide equal pay to persons performing the same job regardless of gender. Since the EPA is an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the law prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee who files a claim under the EPA or cooperates with an investigation of such claim.

Enforcement & Remedies

Under the EPA a prevailing employee can receive back pay, interest, attorney fees, and litigation costs. Where the court finds a lack of good faith, an employee can recover back wages in the amount of double the back pay award (called “liquidated damages”). Where the court finds a willful violation of the EPA, the award can extend back pay to cover the prior three years (instead of the normal two years).