Advocates hope new NYC pay transparency law will address gender and race pay gaps

The legislation is on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk, but has not been signed yet.

News 12 Staff

Nov 2, 2022, 2:25 AM

Updated 633 days ago

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A new pay transparency law that went into effect in New York City Tuesday could have big implications on Long Island.
The city's new law requires businesses with four or more employees to post a salary range for jobs, promotions and transfer opportunities.
Georgette Grier-Key, with the Brookhaven NAACP, says New York City is on the forefront of wage equity in the tri-state area.
"I applaud this law - I think it's a step in the right direction," Grier-Key says.
The goal of the new legislation is to narrow the wage gap that has left women and people of color behind for years. Traditionally salaries have been left secret, which opened the door for these pay gaps.
For every dollar a man makes - a woman typically makes 83 cents. Compared to white men, Black men make 64 cents and Latina women make 54 cents.
Grier-Key says people should be paid at the value they contribute to the company regardless of gender, race, age or ethnicity.
Currently the law applies to businesses with at least one worker in the city or who do business in one of the five boroughs, but employment attorney Jon Bell says some Long Island business will still be affected.
"If you're advertising in a work from home capacity, chances are you are going to pull some application from New York City," Bell says "In those situations you are going to be required to give that salary threshold.
Bell says Long Island employers should consider making salaries translucent anyway because they don't want to have the potential of exposing themselves to New York City fines or even private lawsuits.
There is a similar statewide law, which has passed through the state legislature.
The legislation is on Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk, but has not been signed yet.
A spokesperson for the governor's office says it is under review.


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