AAUW NJ applauds Assembly leadership for moving bill A3937 that calls for pay transparency in job postings.
New Jersey must pass this bill to to narrow the gender pay gap.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2023 —
The New Jersey State Affiliate of the American Association of University Women (AAUW NJ) applauds the Assembly leadership and Consumer Affairs Committee for moving bill A3937 that requires transparency concerning compensation with promotional opportunities and in employment listings. AAUW has long advocated for measures to increase pay transparency and its research shows that the gender wage gap tends to be narrower in job sectors where wages are transparent.
Across the country pay transparency laws are picking up steam. Ten states already have some kind of pay transparency laws on the books with California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois. New York and Washington enacting measures similar to the proposed bill where postings for promotions or open positions would include a salary and benefits range. Twelve more states and the District of Columbia have introduced pay transparency legislation in 2023 alone.
“Certain workplace practices can exacerbate pay disparities, including the failure to be transparent with salary information,” said Sharon Suber, President of AAUW NJ. “New Jersey has already outlawed the practice of asking job applicants for salary history – that law took effect in 2020. By requiring employers to post compensation and wages on job postings, New Jersey will take the next step towards achieving pay equity.”
Bill S3663/A3937 not only lays out the requirement for job posting for employers, it also includes a provision to levy fines on those who fail to comply. We have already seen similar laws being enacted locally in Jersey City and New York City where many of our state’s residents are employed. Now it is time for our legislature to take action to make pay transparency the law of the land in New Jersey and hold violators accountable.
About American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW-NJ)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. AAUW of New Jersey is the state affiliate representing approximately 1200 members in 20 branches throughout New Jersey. Learn more and join us at aauwnj.org.