NYS pay equity legislation takes hold

Two measures meant to boost New York’s gender pay equity laws are set to take effect today.

One measure bars all employers, both in the private and public sectors, who do business with the state from asking about salary history and compensation of prospective employees. At the same time, the definition of “equal pay for equal work” is being expanded.

The provisions bolster an executive order Cuomo had previously signed meant to eliminate the wage gap between men and women.

“We are at a critical point in history when this country is finally recognizing the long-term discrimination against women and taking action to right the wrongs of an unfair system,” Cuomo said.

“There is no rational reason why women should not get paid the same as men, and these common sense measures will take us one step closer to true equality. Now it’s time for businesses across the state to take a hard look at their pay policies and ensure women employees get paid the same as their male colleagues if they are doing substantially similar work.”