Salary Transparency and Your Right to Discuss Pay at Work
Federal law protects your right to discuss wages with coworkers.
Your Right to Discuss Pay
The NLRA protects most private-sector employees' right to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions. Employer policies prohibiting wage discussions are generally unlawful.
Why Pay Transparency Matters
Pay secrecy perpetuates wage gaps. Transparency allows workers to identify Equal Pay Act and Title VII violations. Several states now require salary ranges in job postings.
Equal Pay Violations
The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for substantially equal work regardless of sex. Unlike most federal employment claims, you can file a lawsuit without first going to the EEOC.
What You Can Do
Discuss pay with coworkers. If disciplined, file an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB. If you discover pay disparities, consult an employment attorney promptly.
Think You Have a Case?
This article is for informational purposes. For advice specific to your situation, speak with an experienced employment attorney at no cost.
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