Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has issued a formal advisory reminding employers with workers in the District of Columbia that they are required by law to comply with the District’s Wage Transparency Act, which took effect one year ago.
The law requires employers to include specific wage and benefit information in all job postings and protects workers from retaliation or discrimination based on conversations about their compensation. In his statement, Schwalb said the law is designed to protect employees and ensure fair competition among businesses.
“The District’s Wage Transparency Act protects DC’s workers and ensures that all businesses compete on a level playing field,” Schwalb said. “Today’s alert reflects our continuing commitment to ensuring that workers and the District’s business community fully understand their rights and obligations under the law.”
The advisory, issued through the Office of the Attorney General’s Workers’ Rights and Antifraud Section, highlights how businesses must now disclose the minimum and maximum salary or hourly wage for all positions advertised in the District. Additionally, job candidates should be informed about health care benefits before their first interview. These requirements apply regardless of how or where a job posting is distributed.
Employers are also prohibited from restricting or retaliating against employees who discuss their wages with colleagues. The law prohibits employers from discharging or disciplining workers who inquire about, disclose, compare, or discuss their compensation. It also bans the use of a prospective employee’s wage history in hiring decisions and prohibits employers from seeking or relying on that history. Employers cannot attempt to prevent employees from filing a complaint under the Act, and they must post a visible notice in the workplace informing workers of their rights.
Since gaining the authority to enforce wage theft laws, the OAG has secured over $35 million through investigations and lawsuits targeting employers who break the law. Under Schwalb’s leadership alone, more than $20 million has been recovered for workers and the District. The office’s enforcement efforts have concentrated on industries known for high concentrations of vulnerable workers, including construction, restaurants and hospitality, healthcare, and the gig economy.
Workers who suspect violations or believe they have experienced wage theft can contact OAG by calling (202) 724-7730 or by emailing workers@dc.gov or trabajadores@dc.gov.
For businesses in the District seeking legal guidance about their obligations under the Wage Transparency Act, assistance is available through the DC Bar Pro Bono Center’s Nonprofit and Small Business Legal Assistance Programs. Business owners can email npsb@dcbar.org or visit lawhelp.org.
Schwalb said the Wage Transparency Act is part of a larger effort to level the economic playing field and protect the rights of DC’s workforce.
“We’re sending a clear message that worker protections aren’t optional,” he said. “Employers must follow the law.”
People around the D.C. area celebrated the attorney general’s reminder via social media.
“This should be national law [to be honest],” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.