FAQs
The new law takes effect August 1, 2019. Unlike laws in some other states, the Alabama law does not bar employers from asking for salary history information, but prohibits employers from refusing to interview or hire applicants who decline to provide such information.
Is it legal to ask for salary history in Alabama? ›
Unlike most states with salary history bans, where the employer is outright banned from inquiring about salary history, Alabama's law allows employers to inquire about applicants' salary history—they just can't discriminate based on an applicant's refusal to provide his or her wage history.
Which states ban salary history questions? ›
States With Salary History Bans
State | Effective | Employers Affected |
---|
California | 2018 | All employers |
Colorado | 2021 | All employers |
Connecticut | 2019 | All employers |
Delaware | 2017 | All employers |
25 more rowsNov 10, 2022
Is it legal to discuss salary in Alabama? ›
Under the act, Alabama employees may reveal and discuss their compensation. However, employers are not obligated to disclose salary ranges for job openings or reveal wage information to applicants or employees. Employers aren't allowed to retaliate against employees for sharing their salary histories.
What is salary history inquiry bans? ›
Job interview: Can they ask about my salary history? California Labor Code 432.3 bars employers from asking job applicants about their salary history when applying for a position. Furthermore, the law employers are also required to provide a pay scale for the position if the applicant requests one.
How do you answer previous salary questions? ›
During an interview where the question is allowed
Alison Green of Ask A Manager recommends redirecting the question to what salary range you're seeking, with language like: “I keep that information confidential, but the range I'm looking for now is …”
Is it against the law to ask previous salary? ›
California has one of the strongest laws. Private and public employers cannot ask your salary history, and even if they have the information, they cannot use it in setting your pay.
Is it legal to ask applicant for salary history? ›
California has one of the strongest laws. Private and public employers cannot ask for your salary history information; even if they have it, they cannot use it to set your pay.
What is HR allowed to ask from previous employers? ›
Besides asking if the former employee is eligible for re-hire, employers may ask additional questions, such as “What were the circ*mstances surrounding his termination?” They may also ask “Is she/he under a non-compete contract or are they free to come to work for us because we're in the same industry?” This ...
Are questions about salary history legal in all states? ›
There currently are no federal laws against asking these questions, but many states and localities have enforced salary history bans to help eliminate pay discrimination. These prohibit employers from asking job candidates for information about their salary history.
You and your coworkers have the right to meet and discuss workplace issues, including whether or not to be represented by a union. Employers cannot threaten, discriminate against, or otherwise take action against you for organizing or talking with your coworkers about working conditions.
Is it illegal for your boss to say you can't discuss pay? ›
Employers cannot prospectively restrict or prohibit you from talking to co-workers about your wages. You may have such discussions when not at work, when you are on break, and even during work if you are otherwise allowed to have other nonwork-related conversations.
How does salary pay work in Alabama? ›
How does salaried pay work in Alabama? Salaried pay in Alabama involves an agreed-upon annual or monthly salary. Salaried employees receive a fixed amount of pay regardless of hours worked, except for non-exempt salaried employees who are eligible to receive overtime compensation.
How do you respond to salary inquiries? ›
How to Answer, 'What's Your Expected Salary?'
- Research the market and salary trends.
- Consider giving a salary range, not a number.
- Diplomatically turn the question around.
- Now it's time to give a number, not a range.
- Always be truthful.
Can an employer verify my salary history? ›
California's ban prohibits private and public employers from seeking a candidate's pay history. Even if an employer already has that information or an applicant volunteers it, it still can't be used in determining a new hire's pay.
Why do employers ask for salary history? ›
Asking job applicants for their salary history has long been a common part of the hiring process, and employers have historically used that information to decide what a candidate is "worth" on the market.
Are employers allowed to ask salary history? ›
California's ban prohibits private and public employers from seeking a candidate's pay history. Even if an employer already has that information or an applicant volunteers it, it still can't be used in determining a new hire's pay.
Can an employer ask for salary history? ›
The new California law prohibits employers from asking about salary history information, including “compensation and benefits.” Employers cannot ask about the value of an applicant's benefits, such as equity, health insurance, or other monetary benefits.