Are You Allowed to Talk About Your Salary?

[VetLegion]

I think comparing different countries is one of the greatest features of forums, so here's another one...

In my country, many and perhaps most employment contracts have a clause which defines salary as secret information and, theoretically, disclosing it can get you fired.

How is it in your neck of woods?

[LordShiva]

Apparently, I'm not supposed to talk about mine with my co-workers (but nobody cares if we do).

[Asher]

You can but it's generally not a good idea.

[Zopperoni]

Yes, it's allowed at my firm. It's not that we boast about it, but when asked by recruitment candidates, I just tell them the truth.

[VetLegion]

You can but it's generally not a good idea.

On the contrary, it's a great idea. It disseminates very important information and lowers the bargaining power of the employer, the only party who benefits from such clauses. It would be much easier to get a raise if you knew that someone with status similar to yours just got one.

[Zkribbler]

As a government employee, my pay range is public record. ==But I don't like to talk about it.

[Dauphin]

Originally posted by VetLegion

You can but it's generally not a good idea.

On the contrary, it's a great idea. It disseminates very important information and lowers the bargaining power of the employer, the only party who benefits from such clauses. It would be much easier to get a raise if you knew that someone with status similar to yours just got one.

Can also lead to discord in the workplace, even when the difference is meritocratic and not bargaining power due to non-transparency. IF you are better than your peers and get recognised for better performance through salary it can lead to jealousy against you if it is public record.

[Flubber]

Re: Are You Allowed to Talk About Your Salary?

[SIZE=1] Originally posted by VetLegion

In my country, many and perhaps most employment contracts have a clause which defines salary as secret information and, theoretically, disclosing it can get you fired.

How is it in your neck of woods?

That provision seems draconian and I find it hard to believe that they would enforce it against skilled employees unless they wanted a downsizing.

No such provision here. The corp keeps salaries confidential (ranges may be available or the salaries of senior execs disclosed at shareholder meetings) but generally its up to the individual what they tell others.

I generally don't share with people in my company. I do share with friends at other companies at similar levels

[Zkribbler]

But have you noticed that, when you're on a job interview, one of the first things you're asked is how much you make.

[Dauphin]

Most good companies shouldn't need to ask that. They should ask how much you are expecting if anything, and only towards the end.

[pchang]

In general

I agree with VetLegion about disclosing salary levels. I will tell anyone who asks.

[Dauphin]

Re: In general

Originally posted by pchang
I agree with VetLegion about disclosing salary levels. I will tell anyone who asks.

How much are you earning?

[pchang]

Last year

I made over $200,000

[Solver]

It's not normally defined as secret here. Unless I'm mistaken, the pay range of government employees has to be available on request. That said, it's generally considered rude to ask people about their salary. People may divulge that to good friends, but, except with people who know each other really well, it's vulgar to ask.

[Jon Miller]

I make ~20k

JM