Redditor Calls Out HR When They Told Him It Was Illegal For Employees To Discuss Wages

HR tried to tell one Redditor that talking about wages was illegal, and that claim backfired fast. What started as a routine shift turned into a tense confrontation over employee rights, company policy, and who actually knew the rules.

In the post, OP says an HR employee pulled him aside after he was accused of discussing pay with workers under him. He was told the conversation was against the law, but OP did not back down, and the situation only got more awkward from there.

By the end, the company had a lot more explaining to do than OP did.

Here's how OP stood his ground against the HR employee and manager

cocteaubeauty

It was confusing for OP to see HR during a busy shift, knowing she lived far away. The manager called him to speak to her since he was told that he was being investigated for discussing wages with other employees.

cocteaubeauty

That accusation did not hold up for long.

OP called them out on the legality of their accusations

cocteaubeauty

They tried to play it off as not knowing, to which OP further pointed out their rights.

cocteaubeauty

Then OP asked for the policy in writing, and things got even messier.

When OP left, he asked her about the specific company policy regarding discussing topics, and he was called to the office.

cocteaubeauty

Then HR told him that there wasn't actually a policy like that after she 'checked.'

cocteaubeauty

OP wanted something official before the story changed again.

OP pushed for a formal agreement to protect himself in case they tried to pull something against him.

cocteaubeauty

His request was granted, and OP encouraged people to know when to stand up for themselves.

cocteaubeauty

There are two possible reasons why they acted as they did, and neither is acceptable.

0w1

This is why it's important to keep learning about your rights even before you get a job.

0w1

They might sometimes prey on those they think aren't knowledgeable about their rights.

Rackminster

There is no proper screening of specific competency in this case, and they could easily manipulate employees.

af_cheddarhead

But if someone actually knows their rights and they attempt that plan, it would backfire greatly.

Anonality5447

This commenter says they would be the first one to speak up, too.

This goes with the debate over confronting a coworker who took office snacks.

A Redditor explained how they were the kind of person another user was describing.

Tje199

They would always be the first one to stand up and voice their concerns if something felt wrong.

Tje199

end of comment

Tje199

Another Redditor shared a workplace story that went even further.

This OP was starting to learn more about management when their shift leader did something wrong.

infectiousoma

This escalated into a more complicated situation.

infectiousoma

Eventually, the shift leader was the one who got fired.

infectiousoma

One more commenter pointed out how fast a bad policy can turn into a bigger problem.

There should always be rules in place if a company requires you to...

hannaner

attend a mandatory company event...

hannaner

but the higher-ups insist that employees wouldn't be paid to attend.

hannaner

It's more than just your salary; it can affect the overall work experience of employees.

sighthoundman

Someone else said they had already seen how that kind of situation plays out.

This OP had an experience like this...

pollodustino

and ended up working somewhere else that benefited them more.

pollodustino

One Redditor said the best move is often to call the bluff.

A Redditor who was a manager explained their strategy...

Entire_Assistant_305

and it seemed to work better than threatening employees with false rules.

Entire_Assistant_305

They're calling HR's bluff.

butteryrum

or her cover-up story of being caught.

butteryrum

From an HR perspective, there are many people who take advantage of the system; this is why it's better to discuss wages.

whyyoudidit

They're going to need it.

Semi-Pros-and-Cons

If you don't try to learn your rights in your work environment, many will take advantage of you for their gains. However, if you are knowledgeable and know when to stand up against them, it will not only be beneficial for you but also for your coworkers whom you choose to help.

OP was an unexpected employee that HR chose to try to fool. It's a good thing that OP was the catalyst for them to think twice before using false rules to establish what they wanted.

HR picked the wrong person to bluff.

If you thought HR wage drama was intense, check out what a worker did after a coworker stole their lunch.