Pay Transparency in Cleveland: Compliance Tips for Employers

Frantz Ward Associate Ben F. Kerns takes a close look at Cleveland’s new Pay Transparency Ordinance, which took effect on Monday, October 27, 2025. With firm Associate and Host Josh A. Friedman, Ben outlines the ordinance’s purpose, who it applies to, and the requirements it places on employers when posting open positions.

The discussion covers:

• Key definitions that determine which employers and applicants are covered
• The ordinance’s main job posting requirements and hiring-stage restrictions
• How salary history inquiries are treated and where exceptions apply
• The complaint process and the role of the Fair Employment Wage Board
• How enforcement and potential penalties are structured

Listen to the episode here.

Ben focuses his practice on labor and employment and supports employers in various matters, such as aiding in the client’s defense before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. He has experience defending employers against discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and other employment-related claims. Ben also regularly analyzes new legal issues confronting employers to provide guidance and avoid litigation.

Josh focuses his practice on employer-side workers’ compensation, administrative law, and municipal law. He works closely with employers to navigate self-insured workers’ compensation claims, handling cases at both the administrative and judicial level.