Texas employees have the right to openly communicate about their compensation with coworkers. This includes conversations about salary, bonuses, benefits, and other forms of remuneration. For example, individuals can compare their pay with colleagues to identify potential discrepancies or inequities.
Open communication regarding compensation fosters transparency and can help ensure fair pay practices within organizations. It empowers individuals to negotiate effectively and address potential pay disparities based on factors such as gender, race, or experience. Historically, restrictions on these discussions allowed discriminatory practices to thrive. Federal law, specifically the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), protects these discussions as a form of “concerted activity” for mutual aid and protection, regardless of union membership.