On November 22, 2016 the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Law and Government approved a measure that prohibits potential employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history.
The legislation is aimed at eliminating the wage gap between men and women. According to the United States Census Bureau 2015 report, women in Pennsylvania are paid 79 cents for every dollar a man makes. This wage gap persists regardless of industry, occupation, and education level.
Several organizations and individuals testified before the committee to offer support for the legislative measure. Rue Landau, director of the Human Relations Commission and Jovida Hill, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission for Women testified in support of the legislation as did representatives from The Women’s Law Project, the American Association of University Women and Pathways PA.
The bill is expected to be voted on by all members of Council on December 8, 2016.
