New York State Enacts Law Banning Salary History Inquiries Goes Into Effect

The New York State Law Banning Salary History Inquiries

On July 10, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that will impact employers in New York with regard to inquiries asked of potential employees during interviews. The new law, effective January 6, 2020, will prohibit employers in New York from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history (including compensation and benefits) and from depending on that applicant’s previous wage or salary when deciding whether to extend a job offer or determining what that applicant’s prospective pay would be. This amendment to the New York Labor Law, specifically Labor Law Section 194-a, further prevents an employer in New York from seeking such information from the applicant’s previous employer. Moreover, employers are banned from retaliating against applicants or employees who refuse to disclose such information. If an applicant believes that an employer violated this law, he or she may bring a civil court action or can contact the Division of Labor Standards.

If you are an independent contractor or employee and you feel that you have been discriminated against or wrongfully terminated on any illegal basis or have any questions regarding your rights with respect to your employment, please contact Borrelli & Associates, P.L.L.C. immediately to schedule a consultation.