For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 7, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Evan Glass
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 7, 2019 – Today the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved Councilmember Evan Glass’ (At-Large) Montgomery County Pay Equity Act. Under this law, Montgomery County government will no longer request pay stubs or rely on pay history when determining an employee’s salary.
“I am proud that my first piece of legislation will make Montgomery County a more equitable place to work. A fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay, regardless of race or gender identity,” said Councilmember Evan Glass. “Being raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs, this legislation is very personal to me. By eliminating the County’s use of pay history to set future salaries, employees will get paid according to their expected responsibilities and the experience they bring to the table, rather than their ability to successfully negotiate based on past wages. It’s long overdue for us to eliminate the stark pay gap that exists between genders in the same grade levels within our County government.”
Studies show that the gender pay gap starts early in a career and that female job applicants, particularly women of color, carry lower earnings from job to job. In general, women are less likely to successfully negotiate higher salaries, and typically start their careers with lower wages. In the state of Maryland, for every dollar a man earns a woman earns only 79 cents, with African American women earning 69 cents and Hispanic/Latina women earning just 47 cents. The legislation now goes to the County Executive, who has previously expressed his support. Once signed into law, the legislation will go into effect 90 days thereafter.
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Release ID: 19-158