Can I be fired for discussing wages and salaries?
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Can I be fired for discussing wages and salaries?
I was recently terminated and I also believe it was do to discussing wages and salaries about other employees. Although my employer claimed it was do to poor performance, I do not think that is the case. He fired me the same day I mentioned another employees wages after warning me ahead of time. I do have
texts regarding his warning, however I’m not sure how to go about all of it as no jobs seem to be hiring until the beginning of January as I was terminated on 12/21, which has been putting me under a lot of stress and depression. I have bills to pay and don’t know what to do. Should I contact my employer about a possible lawsuit?
Asked on December 25, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You can't be terminated only for discussing wages with coworkers; the law (such as the National Labor Relations Act or NLRA) protects your rights to do this. If you believe you were terminated for these discussions, contact an employment law attorney: you may have a valid claim for wrongful termination.
IF the wage discussion was mixed in with bad-mouthing the company or managers, then that may allow legal termination; negative or defamatory comments about the company or coworkers are not protected.
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