Advocating For California Employee Rights

Can your employer tell you that you can’t talk about your pay?

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2022 | Employment Law

You’ve never really thought about talking about your pay with your co-workers, but then your employer puts up a sign saying that any discussions of wages are prohibited. Suddenly, you’re wondering why they would do this. What do they have to hide? Should you start asking questions about wages? 

Moreover, it strikes you that your employer shouldn’t have the right to tell you that you can’t talk to your co-workers about almost anything, especially about what you’re paid. Is what they are doing legal? 

You can discuss wages 

No matter what your employer tells you, you absolutely can discuss your wages with your co-workers. You have this right, as do those co-workers. Your employer may not want you to do so, but they cannot prohibit you from doing so. 

But what if they catch you talking about wages? You may be worried that they’re going to reduce your pay, cut your hours or maybe fire you entirely. After all, they will claim that you broke a workplace rule. 

If something like this happens, it very well may be a wrongful termination. You have not done anything wrong, your employer was the one with the illegal rule, and now you have been fired for doing what you have a right to do under federal law. None of this is the type of treatment that you deserve. 

So what can you do? 

A situation like this is very stressful and disheartening, but you do have options. Be sure you know what steps to take.

 

 

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