Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today released the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s signing of pay equity legislation, which bans prospective employers from asking about an applicant’s salary history.
“Equal pay for equal work is a basic right, and any pay gap, no matter how big or small, is an injustice. In Suffolk County, we don’t wait for others to act. That is why last year I signed the RISE Act – Restricting Information on Salaries and Earnings into law. I applaud Governor Cuomo for standing up for what is decent and fair, and leveling the playing field for all New Yorkers to ensure everyone has a chance to be paid fairly for the work they do.”
Background
The RISE Act, which was signed into law by County Executive Bellone last year and went into effect last month, prohibits any employer within the county from requesting or seeking the wage history of a prospective employee during the interview and hiring process. The RISE Act, which stands for Restricting Information on Salaries and Earnings, is intended to close the pay gap for women and people of color in the workforce.
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