A lively discussion has erupted on social network X about whether colleagues should discuss their salaries. Some see it as a step towards fairness, while others view it as a violation of personal boundaries and corporate ethics.
On social network X, there is a discussion about whether employees should share information about their incomes with each other. The debate was sparked by one user's opinion, who stated that colleagues should ask each other about their salaries, as this helps to identify and reduce inequality.
According to him, employers often pay different employees differently for the same work. Openness about income, he believes, is not bragging, but a way to help others objectively assess their work and, if necessary, seek fairer pay.
This position has provoked a strong reaction. Some supported the author, noting that sharing salary information can indeed contribute to income growth. "The fact that salaries need to be shared is true. That’s how they grow," wrote one participant in the discussion. Another added that transparency helps employees understand their market value and strengthens their negotiating positions.
However, most commentators expressed opposition. In their opinion, discussing money is in poor taste, and many employment contracts contain a non-disclosure clause regarding pay conditions. "There are things that colleagues never talk about. For example, intimate life and salary size," noted one user. Others admitted they would not want to know if someone is paid more, to avoid feelings of envy and disappointment.
What does the law and practice say?
In Latvia and other EU countries, issues of pay transparency are becoming increasingly relevant. The European Union has already adopted a directive on pay transparency aimed at reducing the gender pay gap. The document stipulates that employees have the right to receive information about the criteria for salary formation and average pay levels by job categories.
At the same time, confidentiality clauses in employment contracts cannot limit an employee's right to discuss their salary if it is done to protect the principle of equal pay for equal work. Labor law experts emphasize that a ban on disclosing commercial secrets does not equate to a ban on discussing one’s own income.
Human resource specialists note that transparency can reduce distrust within a team and motivate employers to establish a clearer and more justified pay system. At the same time, unprepared disclosure of information can indeed cause tension, especially if there are no clear criteria for salary calculation.
