We all know that pay gap between men and women is a huge problem, but one state just took a huge step forward in fixing it. This week, Massachusetts made a little (or actually big) bit of history when Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the first statute in the U.S. that bans prospective employers from asking candidates about their salary history. As well, businesses in that state are now required to tell you the pay for the new position up front.
Sounds a little wonkish, yeah, but just think about that for a second. While the law benefits both sexes alike, it’s really women who walk away with the win here. No longer will an employer be able to base your future salary on past, unfair, possibly sexist compensation rates. Indeed, since the salary is right there in front of you before you interview, there’s really no way and they could shortchange you based on your gender without the Attorney General coming down hard on them. Nice. Experts are calling the bi-partisan law a legal, “sea change” that could set a national standard.
So, is this law—and the others that will follow it— the magic bullet that will finally, finally lead to pay equality? Well, it’s sure to change the process, but we still need to chip away at some of the underlying attitudes towards the employment and promotion women in the workplace. Still, it’s some amazing ammunition in the fight. We’re getting there!
