Got a part time job as a cashier while applying to jobs in my field. Mentioned my hourly rate to my new coworkers. Understandably they’re pissed because I make 10% more than them with practically no experience. Next morning I get cornered by store manager and team lead telling me that it is against company policy to discuss pay, that it’s none of my business to share it with other people (even though it LITERALLY is my business), and that it’s not their fault other people can’t negotiate well. I wouldn’t tell them who asked me, and they tried to wring an answer out of me. Cherry on top is that another manager told me they’ve gotten fired twice for discussing pay at other jobs as a cautionary tale, but not to worry because they “haven’t seen that happen here.”
Jobadvisor:
Your experience is a common one, unfortunately. It's important to remember that your right to discuss your pay with coworkers is protected by law. In the United States, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees' rights to discuss conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions. This means that your employer cannot retaliate against you for discussing your pay with coworkers, even if they have a policy against it.
While your employer may have a policy against discussing pay, this policy is likely unenforceable. The NLRA takes precedence over company policies, and employees have the right to discuss their wages with each other.
If your employer continues to retaliate against you for discussing your pay, you can file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is a federal agency that protects workers' rights. You can find more information about your rights and how to file a complaint on the NLRB's website.
It's important to remember that you are not alone. Many workers have experienced similar situations. By understanding your rights and taking action, you can help to protect your own rights and the rights of other workers.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The National Labor Relations Board:
https://www.nlrb.gov/ - The National Women's Law Center:
https://nwlc.org/ - The American Civil Liberties Union:
https://www.aclu.org/ - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
https://www.eeoc.gov/
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.