Here’s what that new Philadelphia ‘pay history’ law means for your business

Philadelphia partner David Woolf wrote an article for the Philadelphia Business Journal titled, “Here’s what that new Philadelphia ‘pay history’ law means for your business.” Philadelphia will likely become the first city in the nation to ban employers and employment agencies from asking job applicants for their salary history or requiring disclosure of such information. The Philadelphia City Council unanimously approved the bill on December 8; if enacted as expected, the new law will go into effect 120 days after the Mayor signs it. David discusses what this new bill means for local businesses.

Dave notes that the ordinance would also make it unlawful for an employer to base their compensation offer on an applicant’s prior salary unless the applicant knowingly and willingly discloses their salary history to the employer. The new law is meant to lessen the wage gap earnings between white males and women and minorities, but has been met with some controversy. The Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has openly opposed the bill, stating that the legislation “goes too far in dictating how employers can interact with potential hires.”

Though Philadelphia has previously enacted legislation prohibiting or limiting certain questions that it considers “out of bounds,” this restriction is arguably different in that employers regularly use salary information in the hiring process. Dave highlights that while the inquiries may have unintended consequences, they can also add value, such as gauging an applicant’s assertions regarding their level of authority and responsibility in their current position, their advancement history and potential for future advancement, and a general sense of the applicant’s market value.

Dave advises employers to notify and train those involved in the hiring process of the anticipated ordinance, update their job application materials as needed and develop additional tools to still to get at the information needed. He also advises employers to look as the issue of pay equity more broadly.