Companies will do everything they can to pay their workers as little as possible, even skirt the law.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the company policies that restrict conversations about wages.
Here’s my public service announcement for the day: in the United States, that’s illegal!
My Boss Told Me Not to Discuss Wages
Despite the law, stories abound of managers who reprimand their employees for the “inappropriate behavior” of discussing pay.
Hostess Scolded for Salary Talks
A restaurant hostess came to a popular internet community after her boss reprimanded her for talking about her salary. She was the most seasoned hostess at the restaurant, but discovered the two newer hostesses were making more money.
She went to her boss with this information, asking for a raise.
The boss ultimately gave in, but not without warning her that she shouldn’t be having those conversations.
“She says, “I’m going to raise your pay to make it fair, but you really aren’t allowed to discuss pay at work, it even says so in the employee handbook, I’m not going to fire anyone or anything but just know talk about pay really has to stay between you and I,” reported the hostess.
Coworkers Scolded
Another user posted a similar story. His two colleagues got pulled into the boss’s office and were scolded for discussing salary.
He wasn’t included in the conversation, and he’s baffled as to why that would be.
Users suggested that he might be getting the short end of the salary stick.
Salary Confidential
A third user shared that he got a massive raise, but his boss warned him he’d be fired if he told anyone.
“At the end, my boss told me that the salary and the increase is confidential, and if they hear us talking about the subject, we are fired,” they shared.
Why Companies Hate Salary Talks
The hostess’s story highlights why companies hate it when employees discuss salary. When she discovered she was underpaid, she demanded more, costing the company money.
In the US, salary discussions remain taboo, and companies hope to keep it that way. They’ve created a culture where any discussion of wages is disrespectful or unseemly, but that backwards idea only benefits businesses, not workers.
Secrecy about wages keeps people in the dark about what they’re worth, preventing them from demanding higher salaries. Many of these workers don’t even realize they’re being mistreated or paid less than their coworkers.
Ask yourself – who does that benefit?
Can My Employer Tell Me Not to Discuss Pay?
Unfortunately for most companies, it’s illegal to stop employees from discussing pay in the United States. The National Labor Relations Act forbids them from preventing employee salary discussions.
Companies can not legally tell workers they can’t talk about their wages. Affected employees can sue for lost wages and compensation.
The Labor Board is reviewing even stricter penalties and may implement civil penalties for egregious and ongoing violations.
What To Do If The Boss Says Don’t Discuss Pay?
First, know the law. If you live in the US, they’re breaking it. Tell them that.
If you get in trouble for discussing wages with your coworkers, contact the National Labor Relations Board. They will investigate your case and assist you in seeking remedies.
Outside the US
The poster whose boss said his raise was confidential doesn’t live in the US, but said his country is considering a similar law.
Many European countries already have stronger labor protections, allowing employees to discuss salary freely without fear of retaliation.
Taboo Salary Talks Need To Go
Companies did a great job convincing us that salary is a taboo topic, but it only served their interests.
Discussing salaries helps workers. It ensures equal payment for equal work and fair compensation across the board.
So talk about salary with your coworkers! You may be shocked at how little you make compared to them. When workers arm themselves with information and stand together, they can make massive changes in work culture.