NC H578

Requires employers with more than five employees to pay equal wages to employees of opposite sexes for the same classification of work in the same establishment, measured by same quantity and quality of work.

Allows wage variations based on seniority, length of service, ability, skill, differences in duties performed, shift times, hours worked, or weight-lifting restrictions, when exercised in good faith.

Prohibits employers from reducing any employee's pay to achieve compliance with the equal pay requirement.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who seek redress or participate in investigations under this Article.

Permits affected employees to file complaints with the Department of Labor or pursue civil actions within two years of discovering the violation, with recovery of unpaid wages plus costs and attorney's fees, without requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies first.