On November 18th, New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy signed a bill mandating that employers post internal and external job postings, including wage or salary ranges, effective June 1, 2025. The law provides an exception for promotions for current employees awarded based on years of experience or performance but strengthens the state’s robust pay equity regulations, which already prohibit salary history inquiries and protect employee discussions about compensation.
In passing the law, New Jersey joins New York, Washington, D.C., and others in adopting transparency measures. In addition to this protection, New Jersey employees will also benefit from a minimum wage increase to $15.49 per hour on January 1, 2025.
The new law applies to businesses with ten or more employees over 20 weeks annually, including employment agencies operating in New Jersey or accepting applications from the state. Temporary help and consulting firms registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs are exempt from listing compensation in postings but must disclose it at interviews or hiring.
Employers must include wage or salary ranges, as well as a general overview of benefits and compensation programs, in all job postings for new roles or transfer opportunities. While these ranges set a baseline, higher compensation can be offered at the time of hire.
Violations can result in civil penalties starting at $300 for a first offense and $600 for subsequent infractions. Failure to meet posting or notification requirements constitutes a single violation per promotion, regardless of the number of platforms used, and notably, may form the basis of a Conscientious Employee Protection Act claim if an employee feels they’ve been the victim of retaliation for reporting failure to comply.
If you feel you missed an opportunity for promotion because your employer failed to post a position appropriately, and your complaint resulted in an adverse employment action, you may be eligible to take legal action. Contact the employment attorneys at Schorr & Associates today to set up a time to explore your options.