Which act established the principle of equal pay for equal work?

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is the foundational legislation that established the principle of equal pay for equal work. This act specifically prohibits wage discrimination based on sex, mandating that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work, which is defined as work that requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility and is performed under similar working conditions.

The significance of this act lies in its focus on closing the wage gap between genders, thereby promoting fairness and equity in the workplace. It was a critical step in the broader movement toward gender equality in employment and has contributed to ongoing discussions and policies regarding pay equity today.

The other acts mentioned do cover important aspects of labor and employment rights but do not specifically address the issue of pay equity based on gender. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 does prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, but does not exclusively focus on wage equality. The Fair Labor Standards Act primarily deals with minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards rather than specifically ensuring equal pay for similar work. Lastly, the Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with job-protected leave for family and medical reasons, which is unrelated to the principle of equal pay for equal work.