Prakash has been working as a software engineer at Company A for 10 years. Recently, he discovered that a new hire, who has less experience and fewer qualifications, is being paid more than him. Prakash approached his manager with this concern and was told that the new hire’s pay is based on market demand for talent in that particular programming language. Prakash believes he is being treated unfairly based on his seniority and qualifications.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens Prakash’s claim of unfair treatment?