By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill, named the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, in honor of the first woman to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary. The measure would require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose a salary range when posting a job position. The measure also would require employers with 100 or more employees to file annual employment data reports, including information on employee demographics and salaries, with the state.

“I have long supported wage equity legislation and, as attorney general, I was proud to work together with the business community to implement the 2016 Equal Pay Act,” said Gov. Healey. “This new law is an important next step toward closing wage gaps, especially for people of color and women. It will also strengthen the ability of Massachusetts employers to build diverse, talented teams.”

“I am proud that we as a commonwealth are taking concrete and nation-leading steps to close long-standing gender and racial wage gaps that persist across our economy,” said Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) a lead supporter of the bill. “These gaps not only erode the integrity of work in the commonwealth but also continue to exacerbate an uneven economy for working people, especially women and people of color who have historically faced persistent and glaring inequities in the workplace. By bringing partners in labor, business and community together to establish common sense wage and workplace transparency, we will ensure Massachusetts can continue attracting and retaining diverse and skilled workers that enable our commonwealth to compete and thrive. With the signing of this bill, workers are empowered and businesses are supported.”