Maryland’s Wage Range Transparency Act, amending the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work law, will take effect on October 1, 2024. This legislation aims to combat wage discrimination by requiring employers to disclose wage ranges in job postings, strengthening protections for workers statewide. As experienced Silver Spring, MD employment litigation lawyers, we’re feeling positive about these changes, which help protect workers’ rights.
Key Requirements:
Under the new law, employers must publish the minimum and maximum salary or hourly rate for open positions, along with a general description of benefits and additional compensation. This applies to both public and internal job postings, regardless of whether recruitment is direct or through third-party services.
For roles without a formal job posting, employers must provide wage range details and benefit descriptions upon an applicant’s request and before discussing compensation. Employers may also meet the law’s requirements by completing a forthcoming state-provided form, attaching it to postings, and making it available to applicants.
Who Must Comply?
The law applies to businesses operating in Maryland and positions physically performed, at least in part, within the state. Recruiters and hiring agents acting on behalf of employers are also covered under the statute.
Prohibited Practices
The act bars employers from retaliating against employees for refusing to disclose wage history or exercising their rights under the law. Additionally, employers cannot make hiring or compensation decisions based on a candidate’s wage history unless voluntarily disclosed and used to justify a higher salary offer.
Outstanding Questions
While the law mandates transparency, some ambiguities remain, such as how to define a “general description” of benefits and whether discretionary bonuses must be included in job postings. Employers are encouraged to provide practical and comprehensive benefit summaries to comply with the new requirements.
For more information, employers and job seekers can access resources on Maryland’s labor law compliance.
How Our Employment Litigation Lawyer Can Help You If Your Employer Violates This New Law
If your employer violates Maryland’s new wage laws, an employment lawyer can provide crucial assistance in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Maryland has recently implemented stricter wage laws, which include provisions for fair pay, overtime, and timely payment of wages, among other protections. If your employer fails to comply with these laws, an employment lawyer can help you take the necessary legal steps.
First, an employment lawyer will review your case and assess whether your employer’s actions are in violation of Maryland’s wage laws. This might include improper withholding of wages, failure to pay overtime, or misclassification of employees to avoid paying minimum wage or benefits. They will help gather relevant documents, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, and time records, to establish whether wage violations have occurred.
Additionally, an employment lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to recover unpaid wages, overtime, and benefits. If the case requires litigation, the lawyer will represent you in court, using their expertise to advocate for your rights and seek damages for any financial harm caused by the employer’s illegal practices.
Maryland’s new wage laws have provisions for penalties, which means your employer may face additional fines for violating your rights. An employment lawyer will ensure that you are compensated not only for the unpaid wages but also for any additional damages, including emotional distress and legal fees. If you have not been fairly paid for the work you performed, please contact Eric Siegel Law today for help on recouping you lost wages.