ITHACA, NY (WSKG) — The City of Ithaca will require employers to disclose the minimum and maximum pay in every job posting, starting September 1.
The new city ordinance applies to any employer with more than three permanent workers based in Ithaca. That could also include employers of certain Ithaca-based remote workers.
Alderperson Robert Cantelmo said the ordinance, which passed on Wednesday, will help close pay gaps.
"We can support rebuilding our community workforce where women and people of color are disproportionately bearing the brunt of economic hardship, especially in the COVID pandemic," Cantelmo said.
Nationwide, women currently make an average of 82 cents for every dollar a male colleague is paid.
The wage gap is even wider for people of color. For instance, Census data shows Hispanic women earn an average of 57 cents on the dollar compared to white, non-Hispanic men.
Alderperson Jorge Defendini said the law will help workers advocate for more equitable pay, which he said is particularly important in today’s tough labor market.
"Transparency on the side of employers during a very scary and uncertain time is very well needed," Defendini said.
A 2018 LinkedIn study found that pay range is the most important factor for potential job applicants.
A similar pay transparency law in New York City is poised to take effect in November.