What to Know
- Mayor de Blasio says the new law will help eliminate the gender wage gap
- It was authored by NYC's public advocate, Letitia James, who says the wage gap costs NYC women $5.8 million in potential earnings annually
- The law goes into effect in 180 days
New York City employers can no longer ask job applicants about their salary history, according to a new law that went into effect Tuesday.
Mayor de Blasio signed the bill into law on May 4.
The mayor said he hoped the new law will help eliminate the gender wage gap so that women with lower paying jobs won't face continued lower salary offers.
The city's public advocate Letitia James sponsored the law and said earlier this year the wage gap deprives New York City women $5.8 million in potential earnings every year.
Applicants are encouraged to file a complaint with the city's Human Rights Commission if they believe a potential employer violated the law. Fines could be imposed up to $250,000.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
