In 2016, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Spec Formliners Inc., a Santa Ana-based concrete liner company. The EEOC alleged that Spec Formliners violated federal law when it paid a female sales representative less than a male sales representative in base pay. It also alleged that Spec Formliners required the female sales representative to sell more to earn the same commission as the male sales representative. The EEOC alleged that such conduct violates the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Defense counsel denied that Spec Formliners paid the female employee less than the male sales representative, and contended that Spec Formliners paid the female sales representative commensurate with her skills and educational background. Counsel further contended that Spec Formliners maintained policies compliant with state and federal laws., The EEOC sought recovery of back pay and liquidated damages, along with compensatory and punitive damages for the female employee. It also sought injunctive relief, which was intended to prevent and address discrimination.