Open discussion of compensation and collective bargaining should be basic worker rights.

I’ve been on both sides of the fence as both an employee and a business owner.

Employers want workers to keep their pay secret for one reason and one reason only: to keep pay as low as they can.

They know when workers begin to freely discuss compensation among themselves, they will feel pressure to pay some workers more.

While some employers argue righteously about free enterprise and freedom to run their businesses, true freedom only comes with transparency and communication.

Workers must have a stake in the businesses they are part of. Keeping secrets from them only reduces that stake and hurts everybody.

This is especially important for marginalized people who aren’t protected by employment law, as you so clearly illustrate.

Great article! Thanks.