Washington Salary History Ban

Washington state has implemented a salary history ban. In early May, Washington state signed the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act. The act imposes pay transparency requirements that go beyond most other pay equity laws. This will likely affect most employers in our state.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Prohibits Washington employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history.
2. Requires that employers provide minimum wage or salary information upon request.
3. Employees that receive a promotion can request the wage scale or salary range for the position.
4. If a wage scale or salary range has not been established for a position, employers must provide the minimum wage or salary expectation before job posting or promotion.
5. Employers are allowed to confirm an applicant’s compensation history if applicants voluntarily share it.

This new EPOA law took effect on July 27, 2019.