2 Bosses forbid employees from discussing wages but are forced into an awkward retreat when employees call them out: ‘I guess TWO different managers didn't know the law’

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Etai Eshet • Editor
Feb 27, 2025 1:00 PM EST

There's nothing quite like seeing a grown adult in a position of authority crumble under pressure and revert to their most primitive form: an overly bossy eight-year-old making up playground rules. We've all been there as kids. One kid starts losing at tag and, boom, suddenly there's a new rule. You can only run on the grass now. Actually, I'm untaggable because I'm wearing magic shoes. And all of us start arguing whether it's fair and do the gods of tag would approve.

The thing is, we are no longer kids, and none of us has time to go along with a giant crybaby in a suit. So we're left we two options: roll our eyes so far back we can watch our own thoughts, or, give the wimp a reality check and put them in their place.

Apparently, some managers never fully grow out of this phase. 

For reasons no one can fully explain, salaries are some sort of corporate Voldemort—"that which must not be named." And for some bosses, hearing employees talk about pay turns them into the panicked, flapping children they are inside. "We don't talk about wages here. It's a policy." Sure it is honey.

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  • "My manager says I can't discuss wages."

    "His boss replied 'oh you're right! I just looked it up! My bad, disregard my prior comment!””
    via Sergey Novikov

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • That’s exactly what went down at the company this couple works for. They were chatting about their paychecks, and the boss decided this was the perfect time to invent a brand-new “no wage talk” rule. Federal law? Never heard of her.

  • My boyfriend and I work for the same manufacturing company, in Idaho. Recently, my bf got a huge raise and I received a small one. I told one of my coworkers and he told one of his. We works nights and in completely different departments.
    via External_Storage_805
  • So last Friday, he gets a text from his boss saying "it was brought to my attention you may have been discussing your pay with another employee, and we have a company policy saying you can't do that." Well both him and
    via External_Storage_805

  • It wasn’t until they brought up a little something called National Labor Relations Board that the managers awkwardly muttered something about “disregard my comment,” like a kid caught cheating at Go Fish. Go figure.

  • myself are aware of the NLRB. So he text his boss back and says "I was under the impression we are protected under Federal law and can discuss wages." His boss replied "oh you're right! I just looked it up! My bad, disregard
    via External_Storage_805

  • No speaking! No water! Company policy!

    Cheezburger Image 10472879360
    via JupiterImages

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • my prior comment!". Okay fine, we moved on. Until today, my boss brings me into her office and tells me the same things. We don't discuss wages here. So I brought up the law and she said
    via External_Storage_805
  • "Well you may be protected but we don't discuss those here." I emailed HR and asked for the company handbook and policies, and no where does it say that we can't dicuss wages. So I guess
    via External_Storage_805
  • TWO different managers didn't know the law. Or I am missing something. The company is going through some changes, and they are letting all sorts of people go
    via External_Storage_805
  • for all sorts of reasons. What can I do to protect myself or should I just let this go until it becomes a bigger problem? I'm irritated but also afraid if I rock the boat, they will fire me.
    via External_Storage_805
  • TL;DR: My boss told me I'm not allowed to discuss my pay raise or my wages with another employee.
    via External_Storage_805

  • Here are some numbers you are allowed to discuss

    FASHION
    via laflor

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Oni-oji Discussing wages is a Federally protected right. Your boss can't say sh about it. Trick him into putting the threat in writing so you have proof.
    via External_Storage_805
  • Amnesiac2170 Guessing you are being targeted now for standing up for yourself and your rights.
    via Amnesiac2170
  • Idaho is not the best place to seek gender pay equity. Document everything externally to build a case for if/when you are terminated.
    via Amnesiac2170
  • Odd-Sun7447 You can talk to anyone you want about wages; it's a federally protected topic of conversation. Your boss can s...k it.
    via Odd-Sun7447
  • If they fire you, that's retaliation, and will be held against them when you sue for wrongful termination.
    via Odd-Sun7447
  • RandomGuy_81 how pray tell do you think they would ever expect to enforce that kind of wish?
    via RandomGuy_81
  • TunaChaser It's totally illegal to do that! I would turn him in.
    via TunaChaser
  • maroongrad Get it in email. They won't send it by email. And let HR know there's a problem with those managers.
    via maroongrad
  • Commercial_Square774 Document EVERYTHING going forward. There's a good chance one or both of you get fired. Keep a low profile and a paper trail.
    via Commercial_Square774
  • highcaliberwit Absolutely get them to confirm via text or email. Better yet ask for a policy in writing
    via highcaliberwit
  • Troutie88 Yea companies don't like when employees know how unfairly they are being treated.
    via Troutie88
  • md222 They know, they would just prefer that you not. And they are willing to bet you won't make an issue out of it.
    via md222

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management boss workplace-stories hr toxic-workplace manager bosses work PTO managers supervisor workplace Horrible Bosses work-life balance
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