What is the primary goal of the Consideration of Salary History Ordinance?

The primary goal of the Consideration of Salary History Ordinance is to promote pay equity by preventing discrimination based on salary history. This ordinance aims to eliminate the cycle of wage disparity that often occurs when a job candidate's previous earnings influence their new salary offers. By restricting employers from inquiring about an applicant's salary history, the ordinance encourages companies to set salaries based on the job's requirements and the candidate's qualifications rather than on what they previously earned, thus working towards a fairer and more equitable pay structure.

This approach helps address gender and racial wage gaps, which are often perpetuated by relying on past salary information. By fostering an environment where candidates can negotiate salaries based on their skills and experience rather than past pay, the ordinance enhances wage equality across the workforce. This focus on eliminating bias and promoting equitable pay structures is central to the ordinance's purpose.