California’s Pay Transparency Law in 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of employment laws, California has once again taken a pioneering step by implementing a groundbreaking Pay Transparency Law. Effective from January 1st, 2023, this law, formally known as Labor Code 432.3, mandates significant changes in how employers in the state handle pay-related information. The law not only impacts job postings but also introduces comprehensive reporting requirements, with the first reports due in May 2023. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of California’s Pay Transparency Law’s new pay disclosure requirement and how it affects both employers and employees.

California's Pay Transparency Law

Job Postings and Pay Scale Information California’s Pay Transparency Law

One of the primary aspects of California’s Pay Transparency Law is the obligation for employers to provide employees with pay scale information for their respective positions. This move is aimed at increasing transparency and ensuring that employees have a clear understanding of the compensation they can expect.

The California’s Pay Transparency Law applies to employers with 15 or more employees, and it’s important to note that only one of these employees needs to be located in California. This means that even employers with a remote or hybrid workforce that includes California-based employees are subject to these requirements. Additionally, the law extends its reach to job postings made by third-party entities on behalf of the employer.

The term “pay scale” is defined as the salary or hourly wage range that the employer reasonably expects to pay for a particular position. Importantly, this definition excludes other forms of compensation such as bonuses, tips, and benefits. If an employer intends to pay a fixed hourly wage or piece rate, only that specific rate needs to be included in the job posting. However, if the position’s compensation includes piece rates or commission wages, these details must be explicitly specified in the job posting.

Recordkeeping Requirements for California’s Pay Transparency Law

In addition to providing pay scale information in job postings, employers must also adhere to recordkeeping requirements outlined in the new law. These requirements are aimed at ensuring that employers maintain accurate and accessible records related to employee compensation. The following information must be recorded and retained:

  1. Job Title or Titles of Each Employee: Employers are required to keep records of the job titles held by each employee. This is crucial for establishing transparency regarding job roles within the organization.
  2. Employee’s Wage Rate History: Employers must maintain records of each employee’s wage rate history. This information includes details about the employee’s compensation over time, allowing for a clear view of any changes in wage rates.
  3. Employee’s Period of Employment: Recordkeeping should also include information about the duration of each employee’s employment with the company. This data is essential for tracking the tenure of employees within the organization.

It’s important to note that employers are required to maintain these records for the duration of employment plus an additional three years after the employee’s employment with the company ends. This extended retention period ensures that historical compensation data remains accessible for potential audits or inquiries.

California Pay Data Reporting Requirements

In addition to the changes related to job postings and recordkeeping, the Pay Transparency Law introduces significant reporting requirements for employers. These requirements mandate the submission of pay data reports to the California Department of Industrial Relations (CRD).

The initial report is due on May 10, 2023, and subsequent reports must be submitted every second Wednesday in May thereafter. Employers with multiple locations are required to submit a separate report for each location, providing a comprehensive view of compensation practices across the organization.

To facilitate the reporting process, the law specifies that the report format must allow the CRD to search and sort the information using readily available software like Microsoft Excel. This requirement ensures that the submitted data is easily accessible and can be analyzed effectively to monitor compliance with the law.

Next One Staffing and Staying Compliant

Adhering to these new pay transparency requirements is essential for all California employers, as non-compliance can result in legal consequences and penalties. Employers must act proactively to ensure they are in compliance with the law’s provisions, both in terms of job postings and data reporting.

Professional organizations like PASCO of Sonoma County play a vital role in helping employers stay informed about changes in employment laws. By participating in such organizations, employers can access valuable resources, updates, and guidance to navigate the complex landscape of employment regulations effectively.

California’s Pay Transparency Law

At Next One Staffing, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and keeping our clients and partners informed about important developments in employment law. We understand the significance of compliance with California’s new pay disclosure requirement, and we are here to assist you in meeting these obligations.

In conclusion, California’s Pay Transparency Law represents a significant shift in how employers disclose pay scale information and maintain records related to employee compensation. It is imperative for employers to understand and adhere to these requirements to ensure transparency and compliance. By staying informed and leveraging resources provided by organizations like PASCO of Sonoma County, employers can navigate these changes successfully and continue to foster a fair and equitable work environment for their employees.

Contact Next One Staffing for more information about California’s Pay Transparency Law.

Author

Ryan has worked in staffing for the last eight years. Two years ago, he took the leap to develop a firm whose mission was to elevate staffing to a professional service that treats our candidates as well as we treat our clients. He is very proud of his team and constantly seeks to celebrate their victories together while quietly learning from their losses. 

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