New York – New York City will stop asking applicants for municipal jobs what they make now. It’s a question officials say can perpetuate underpaying people, often women and minorities.

Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order Friday barring city agencies from asking the question before making a job and salary offer.

Massachusetts passed a law this summer barring all employers from asking job-seekers about their salary histories. Supporters said the measure was the first of its kind.

New York’s City Council is weighing a similar proposal that includes private-sector employers, and the Democratic mayor says he’ll support it. For now, his order applies only to city agencies. They employ 300,000 people in all.

There was no immediate response from major local business groups. The order takes effect in 30 days.

As reported by Vos Iz Neias