True or False: A male employee earning more than a female counterpart due to longer tenure is legal.

The assertion that a male employee can legally earn more than a female counterpart due to longer tenure is indeed correct. In many jurisdictions, pay disparities based on tenure are permissible as they reflect an employee's experience and length of service rather than gender-based discrimination.

Legally, employers are allowed to pay different wages if there are legitimate factors contributing to those differences, such as experience, seniority, or performance. These metrics are important because they provide a clear and objective basis for compensation decisions. It is essential to note that the justification for paying one employee more than another must be based on reasonable and measurable criteria, and not on gender or any other form of discrimination.

In instances where tenure is the sole reason for the pay difference, this practice is recognized as legal and compliant with equal pay laws, provided that no other disqualifying factors are present. However, considerations about disclosure and state-specific laws may influence how these situations are managed in practice, but the fundamental legality of pay differences tied to tenure stands firm.