What does the Equal Pay Act of 1963 aim to prevent?

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is focused specifically on eliminating wage disparity based on gender or sex. This federal law requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same establishment. It addresses the wage gap by demanding that all employees performing jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility be compensated equally, regardless of their sex. This Act aims to ensure fairness and equity in the workforce by prohibiting practices that lead to gender-based pay discrimination.

While other options mention important aspects of employment law, they do not pertain directly to the specific intent of the Equal Pay Act. For instance, wage increases pertain to compensation policies, age discrimination relates to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and workplace harassment typically falls under different laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Therefore, understanding the focus and implications of the Equal Pay Act is crucial to recognizing how it fosters gender equity in pay practices.