Cleveland Implements New Pay Transparency Legislation
Cleveland is set to improve wage equality with a newly passed ordinance mandating salary disclosures in job postings. The Cleveland City Council enacted this law on Monday, aiming to tackle disparities based on gender and race.
New Requirements for Employers
The recent legislation obligates businesses in Cleveland with more than 15 employees to include salary ranges in their job listings. Additionally, it prohibits employers from inquiring about a candidate’s prior wage history, a move designed to prevent ongoing wage discrimination.
Advocacy and Support
Grace Heffernan, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center, advocates for these changes, stating that they represent a straightforward approach to narrowing the wage gap. Heffernan remarked, “These two policies, when done together, are some of the easiest, lowest hanging fruit ways that cities have to begin to close the racial and gender pay gap.” She emphasized that the goal of the legislation is to aid businesses in achieving compliance while enhancing job quality.
Context and Broader Impact
As noted in the ordinance, similar laws have already been enacted in at least 22 states, as well as cities such as Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. Aisia Jones, Board Chair of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center, emphasizes the importance of normalizing pay transparency and equal pay. She recalled her own challenging experiences in the workforce, where she discovered unfair wage practices among her peers.
Implementation Timeline
Although the new pay transparency law has been approved, it is not expected to take effect until late 2025 or early 2026. The ordinance was co-sponsored by Council members Stephanie Howse-Jones (Ward 7), Jasmin Santana (Ward 14), and Charles Slife (Ward 17).
Mayor’s Support
Mayor Justin Bibb expressed strong support for the legislation through a spokesperson, stating, “Mayor Bibb and his administration, in partnership with City Council, are proud to champion the Pay Transparency Legislation (Ordinance 104-2025). For far too long, our communities have suffered the consequences of legal, yet unfair practices, further perpetuating inequity and discrimination on the backs of women and people of color.” This initiative marks a significant advancement toward promoting fairness in the workplace in Cleveland.
As the city prepares for the implementation of these new policies, stakeholders are encouraged to engage cooperatively to ensure the effective rollout of these vital changes.
