What is the main requirement of the Equal Pay Act of 1963?

The main requirement of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 is to ensure equal pay for equal work among employees. This landmark legislation focuses on closing the wage gap between men and women who perform the same job responsibilities and have similar qualifications. The Act mandates that employers cannot pay male and female employees different salaries if they are performing jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility under similar working conditions. The intent is to promote fairness in compensation and dismantle income discrimination based on sex.

In contrast, the other choices address entirely different aspects of labor protections. Mandating minimum wages relates to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which ensures a baseline income for workers, while prohibiting discrimination based on age pertains to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Lastly, guaranteeing workplace safety is covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Each of these components serves a distinct purpose, separate from the focus of the Equal Pay Act.