Ritter Signs Wage Transparency Act

Gov. Bill Ritter signed into law Thursday a bill that forbids employers from punishing employees who disclose information about their salaries and wages.

SB 122, the "Wage Transparency Act," does not contradict any authority given employers by federal labor laws. Instead, within the confines of federal law, it prohibits employers from taking any action that might be construed as discipline, or from threatening such actions, in situations where an employee "inquire[s] about, disclose[s], compare[s], or otherwise discusse[s]" compensation.

The new law also forbids employers from requiring employees to sign non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements limiting employees' right to discuss openly the pay they receive.

SB 122 was sponsored by Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, and Rep. Terrance Carroll, D-Denver.