Employees Cannot Be Fired For Discussing Wages With Co-Workers, NLRB Rules

The National Labor Relations Act entitles most employees to discuss wages with their co-workers. This law applies to settings where a union represents employees, where employees are seeking to form a union, or where no one is even discussing or desiring a union.

In the attached case, an employee procured a raise above schedule, but was told to not discuss the wage with co-workers. The Employer believed he did and fired him.

The National Labor Relations Board last week ruled that the termination was unlawful and ordered the employer to offer reinstatement, and make him whole for lost wages and benefits, plus interest.

The case reinforces the value of the NLRA to all workers - to inspire them to work together to improve their workplace and to have a remedy when they are mistreated for doing so.