Workers Have the Legal Right to Discuss Pay and Working Conditions

By Alix Rogers and Krishna Ammisetty, Legal Aid Society

Imagine this scenario: You’ve worked at a job you have had for a few years. You like your work. You get along so well with your coworkers that you feel comfortable enough to discuss your pay with them.

However, discussing pay with coworkers violates a rule in your employee handbook prohibiting the discussion of pay with coworkers. As a result, your employment is terminated once management finds out. The exact reason listed on your separation notice: “Discussing pay with other employees.”

Unfortunately, many working people do not have to i...