What are a worker’s rights to a fair wage?
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What are a worker’s rights to a fair wage?
I recently discovered at work that an employee with less experience is getting paid more. I have been a nurse for 12 years and have have a ton of experience. Recently, I found out that a brand new nurse with 2 months of experience is making more money than I am. This is something that I was told, I never asked, however now that I know it really bothers me. I actually hold a higher title than the person who is making more money. The employee is the same gender, around the same age but a different race, although I don’t feel like that is the reason for the pay difference. I feel as though the management has favorites and that’s drives the amount of money people are paid. Are there any labor laws that apply to this situation?
Asked on November 12, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Virginia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Absent an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, you are an "at will' worker. Therefore, your employer can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. This includes how much to pay to what employee, regardless of their level of experience . The foregoing holds true unless the difference in your treatment is due to some form of legally actionable discrimination, which you did not indicate to be the case in your situation.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Absent an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, you are an "at will' worker. Therefore, your employer can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. This includes how much to pay to what employee, regardless of their level of experience . The foregoing holds true unless the difference in your treatment is due to some form of legally actionable discrimination, which you did not indicate to be the case in your situation.
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