Is it legal to fire someone for discussing their salary with another employee?

Answer 1

It depends on the state. Texas (for example) is a "right to work" state, which means Yes - you could get fired for ANYTHING. There are 22 states with "right to work" laws.

"At will" employment means either party can terminate the relationship with no liability. It's no different than your right to quit for any reason.

Answer 2

Yes, it is legal in every state EXCEPT California.

It's considered a detriment to the morale of the workplace. There's actually a phrase they use (which I can't think of right now!) but it's in every employee handbook I've ever seen.

In CA, it's considered a protected right for some strange reason & something the company cannot prevent you from doing, although it is often frowned upon.

Answer 3

In most cases it is illegal to fire someone for discussing their salary, benefits, & work conditions with fellow employees.
Check out the National Labor Relations Board website. It states that "The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees’ rights to engage in protected concerted activities with or without a union. Some examples of such activities include:

a) 2 or more employees addressing their employer about improving their working conditions and pay;

b) 1 employee speaking to his/her employer on behalf of him/herself and one or more co-workers about improving workplace conditions;

c) 2 or more employees discussing pay or other work-related issues with each other."

Also according to an article from the college journal:

"According to attorney Ann Kiernan, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled for the past 25 years that employer rules forbidding workers to discuss wages are unfair labor practices, in violation of NLRA. Some employers may set pay confidentiality policies in the belief that NLRA applies only to unionized workforces. The relevant portion of NLRA applies even to non-unionized companies, says Kiernan."

The website give some good examples and I would contact them if you think your rights are being violated.

Answer 4

examine your employment settlement / corporation coverage and options. If it says they can hearth you for discussing earnings, they can. Employers like this equipment because they do no longer have human beings coming as a lot as them retaining "X makes this, i would like this a lot money too" workers who've a lot less options on what the overall earnings is won't be able to negotiate besides and may settle for a decrease earnings. I not in any respect heard of those severe measures inspite of the actuality that... is your corporation dealing with a discrimination lawsuit? Or is someone attempting to envision a union?

Answer 5

No. But an employer who thinks the person discussing salary is doing it to stir up trouble I am sure they can find another reason to fire them or to give them a lousy rating and low pay raise so that they will quit. That is the way it works in real life.

Answer 6

Well if its in print in any contract u sign with the company im pretty sure it is, because i worked for a mortgage company and everyone had a different commission and it was strongly enforced to not share that type of info cause it can cause problems of pay differences in the office

Answer 7

It is "legal" to file anyone who breaks company rules against discussing pay.

Answer 8

Yes, there is something call "at will employment" Just as I am free to resign at any time and for any reason, the company is free to terminate my employment at any time, for any reason.

Answer 9

If that is covered in the companies employee policies then it is permissible

Answer 10

ive heard of that happening before....maybe if its in ur contract not to and then u do.