San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee recently signed an ordinance that will make it illegal for employers to inquire about a job applicant’s salary history. This ordinance amends the San Francisco Police and Administrative Codes and covers all individuals, corporations, groups or other organizations, except for independent contractors and current employees applying for positions within their same employer. Salary history includes an applicant’s current and past compensation, including wages, commissions, and any other monetary gain. If an employee, however, voluntarily discloses information regarding his or her salary history, the prospective employer may consider it. Ordinance No. 170350 may not take effect for another year, but employers should consider retraining personnel and revising job applications.

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