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Columbus council member introduces pay-transparency legislation to require salary ranges in job postings
Summary
Council Member Lourdes Barbaroso de Padil introduced legislation at a Columbus City Council meeting to require employers to include clear, fair salary ranges in job postings, calling the measure a step to reduce pay disparities and build on last year’s ban on salary-history questions.
Council Member Lourdes Barbaroso de Padil introduced legislation at a Columbus City Council meeting to require job postings include clear, fair salary ranges, saying the change would increase pay transparency and help groups historically underpaid.
"When you apply for a job, you deserve to know what it pays upfront," Council Member Lourdes Barbaroso de Padil said. "That's why I'm introducing legislation to bring pay transparency to Columbus. This policy will help level the playing field for women, people of color, immigrants, and so many others who have historically been underpaid for doing the same work."
Barbaroso de Padil said the proposal builds on a policy the council adopted last year banning salary-history questions. "Now, we're making sure job postings include clear and fair salary ranges, so you can make informed choices about your future," she said. She added, "And the best part, everyone earns more." The transcript does not include details on enforcement, the definition of a permissible salary range, which employers would be covered, or any timeline for committee review or a vote.
The remarks recorded in the meeting amount to an introduction of legislation; the transcript does not show a motion being moved or seconded, no vote tally, and no committee referral. The item therefore remains at the introduction stage pending any formal motion, referral, or vote by the council.
Supporters of pay-transparency policies commonly argue they reduce information asymmetry that can depress wages for women and people of color. The council member framed her proposal in those terms; the transcript contains no opposing statements, cost estimates, or implementation details.
If approved by the council, the proposal would require job postings in Columbus to include salary ranges; the transcript does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or which employers (for example, city government positions versus private employers) would be covered. The council member urged that the city’s growth be made "equitable, competitive, and just," but provided no further operational details in the recorded remarks.
