No Salary History and Pay Equity Toolkit

On September 29th, 2019, Illinois’ No Salary History Law went into effect, barring employers from seeking information about the past wages of job applicants during the hiring process. It’s a major advance for gender pay equity—the practice of factoring past wages into salary offers is a major contributing factor to persistent wage gaps.

Women Employed has created tools to help employers and job seekers navigate this change. Our toolkit includes:

A resource for employers on the basics of the law

This resource includes what activities are restricted and allowed; how this law will help close the gender wage gap; and what other actions forward-thinking employers can take to advance equal pay in their workplaces.

A Q&A for job seekers

Includes answers to frequently asked questions about the new law in Illinois, including what the law does, who is covered, what is and isn’t allowed, and what you can do if your rights are violated.

Tips for job seekers who are asked about salary history

Includes specific suggestions for how to respond, whether you live in Illinois or another state with similar laws, or whether you in an area without such protections. 

Ways to be an advocate for gender equity

Tips on how to be an advocate in your workplace, your community, or with your elected officials.

Sample social media and email language

We make it easy to spread the word about this new law and ensure everyone in your network knows their new rights.

Together, we will ensure more women, families, and communities can build their economic power and thrive.

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