What is the classification of paying a female employee less than a male employee for the same role?

Paying a female employee less than a male employee for the same role falls under discrimination based on sex and is considered unlawful. This classification stems from various laws and regulations designed to promote equality in the workplace, such as the Equal Pay Act and anti-discrimination laws in many jurisdictions. These laws aim to ensure that individuals are compensated equally for similar work, regardless of gender.

When there is a clear pay disparity that cannot be justified by factors such as experience, qualifications, or job performance, it is deemed discriminatory. This situation not only violates legal standards but also undermines workplace morale and contributes to systemic inequality and injustice in the labor market.

Other classifications, such as justified and legal pay disparity, positive discrimination, or unregulated pay scale, do not accurately describe this scenario. Justifications for pay differences must be based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons rather than gender. Positive discrimination refers to practices intended to promote equality but would not condone unequal pay for equal work. An unregulated pay scale does not account for the legal frameworks in place that govern fair compensation practices. Thus, the correct classification highlights the unlawful nature of gender-based wage discrepancies.