Many employees who discover they have been underpaid compared to coworkers assume it is too late to do anything about it. California’s new law, Senate Bill 642 (SB 642), changes that by expanding workers’ ability to recover compensation for long-term pay discrimination. For employees who have experienced unequal pay, this law creates new opportunities to seek justice and hold employers accountable.
Under California’s equal pay laws, employees are entitled to receive equal compensation for substantially similar work, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. However, pay discrimination can continue unnoticed for years, especially when employers discourage discussions about wages or when workers fear retaliation for speaking up.
SB 642 strengthens employee protections by extending the statute of limitations and allowing a six-year look-back period for certain equal pay claims. This means workers may be able to recover wages and damages for discriminatory pay practices that occurred years ago—compensation they may have previously believed was beyond reach.
Understanding how the new law applies to your situation can be complex. An experienced California labor and employment attorney can review your pay history, compare compensation records, analyze whether unequal pay violations occurred, and determine what damages may be available. Attorneys can also gather evidence, negotiate with employers, and pursue claims through settlement discussions or litigation when necessary.
Importantly, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who ask questions about pay, discuss wages with coworkers, or assert their legal rights. If you believe you have been denied equal pay, you do not have to face the process alone.
At Lavi & Ebrahimian, LLP, our attorneys are committed to protecting employee rights and helping workers recover the wages they have earned. If you suspect you have experienced pay discrimination, wage inequality, or violations of the California Equal Pay Act, our legal team can help you understand your options.
Contact Lavi & Ebrahimian, LLP today at (866) 470-2189 for a confidential consultation with an experienced California employment lawyer. You may have more time—and more rights—than you realize.