Your wages are an important part of your compensation and your livelihood. You may want to share your wage information with your co-workers, your family, or your friends for various reasons, such as comparing salaries, negotiating raises, or seeking advice. However, you may be afraid of how your employer will react to your disclosure. Will you face disciplinary action, demotion, or even termination for revealing your wages? What if your employer tries to prevent you from disclosing your wages by making you sign a waiver or a confidentiality agreement? Fortunately, California law protects you from such adverse actions by your employer. In this article, we will explain your rights as an employee under California Labor Code Section 232 and how we can help you if your employer violates them.
What is California Labor Code Section 232?
California Labor Code Section 232 is a California law that prohibits employers from doing any of the following:
- Requiring, as a condition of employment, that an employee refrain from disclosing the amount of his or her wages.
- Requiring an employee to sign a waiver or other document that purports to deny the employee the right to disclose the amount of his or her wages.
- Discharging, formally disciplining, or otherwise discriminating against an employee who discloses the amount of his or her wages.
This law applies to all employees in California, regardless of their position, status, or industry. It also applies to both oral and written disclosures of wages.
What are the benefits of California Labor Code Section 232?
California Labor Code Section 232 provides several benefits for employees who disclose their wages. These include:
- The right to disclose your wages to anyone you choose without fear of losing your job or facing other negative consequences from your employer.
- The right to refuse to sign any waiver or document that would limit your right to disclose your wages or expose you to liability for doing so.
- The right to sue your employer for damages, reinstatement, attorney fees, and costs if your employer violates this law by taking any adverse action against you for disclosing your wages.
- The right to report your employer’s violation of this law to the Labor Commissioner’s Office, which can investigate and enforce this law.
What are the limitations of California Labor Code Section 232?
California Labor Code Section 232 does not cover every situation where an employee may disclose his or her wages. Some of the limitations of this law are:
- It does not require employers to disclose their own wages or the wages of other employees.
- It does not prevent employers from imposing reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of wage disclosures, as long as they do not interfere with the employee’s right to disclose his or her wages.
- It does not protect employees who disclose wage information that they obtained unlawfully or in violation of a duty of loyalty or confidentiality.
- It does not protect employees who disclose wage information that is false, misleading, or defamatory.
How can we help you if your employer violates California Labor Code Section 232?
If you believe that your employer has violated your rights under California Labor Code Section 232 by firing you, demoting you, reducing your pay or benefits, harassing you, or taking any other adverse action against you for disclosing your wages, you should contact us at Sanford A. Kassel, A Professional Law Corporation. We are a team of experienced and dedicated attorneys who specialize in representing employees against employers for wrongful termination and retaliation. We will evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action. We will fight for your rights and seek the compensation and justice you deserve. Call us today at (909) 884-6451 or visit our website at [www.skassellaw.com] for more information.
