Many workers may consider openly discussing wages a social taboo. As a result, employees such as yourself might not want to discuss their salaries with colleagues.
You might worry about getting in trouble or even losing your job for having these conversations. But did you know that California law protects your right to discuss wages?
Transparency can foster more equitable workplaces
Talking openly about pay can contribute to a better workplace environment for employees. It can help:
- Spot unfair pay differences
- Improve how people negotiate their salaries
- Make the workplace more transparent
- Boost workers’ morale
Sharing information about your salary with your fellow workers can be a great way to advocate for the rights of California employees.
Your rights under California law
In California, you can freely talk about your salary with your coworkers. The law protects several aspects of wage discussions:
- Sharing information about your pay
- Asking coworkers about their wages
- Encouraging others to share salary information
- Talking about work conditions related to pay
Your employer cannot stop you from having these conversations or punish you for them. Just remember to be considerate about when and where you discuss salaries to avoid disrupting work.
What to do if your employer retaliates
Even though it is against the law, some bosses might still try to punish you for talking about pay. If this happens, you can speak up to your company’s HR department or file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Writing down the details of what happened and gathering them can help you build your case. Talking to a lawyer specializing in employment may also guide you as you tackle the situation.
Retaliation can look like a lot of things – demotion, cut hours or harassment. Any negative changes that happen because you discussed wages could be retaliation.
Understanding your rights as a worker may help foster an environment where it is acceptable to talk about pay at work. If you think you are facing punishment for discussing your salary, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself.