Talking about pay with coworkers

Pay secrecy makes it hard to know whether you're paid fairly. Under federal labor law, most private-sector employees have the right to discuss their pay with coworkers, even if a handbook says otherwise.

Good to know

• The protection comes from the National Labor Relations Act and covers most non-supervisory private-sector employees
• Supervisors, government workers and some others are covered by different rules
• Many states have their own pay transparency protections

How to start the conversation

"I'm trying to figure out whether my pay is in line with the market. Would you be comfortable sharing your range? Happy to share mine."

General information, not legal advice. See nlrb.gov for details. Dime Boost isn't paid by any employer, recruiter, job site or course provider.