A salary history ban in Philadelphia will prevent employers from asking job applicants about how much they are paid or setting new salaries based on pay history. The laws, which are becoming more commonplace across the country, aim to reduce pay inequality among gender and racial lines by reducing the chance that unfair past pay practices can be perpetuated as employees move from employer to employer. Employers in Philadelphia should carefully review employment applications and hiring processes to ensure that they do not impermissibly inquire into, or rely upon, salary history information. All staff involved in the hiring process should be trained about the law’s new requirements.
