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The Global Insight

Is it illegal to ask coworkers for money?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 27, 2026

Yes, it’s O.K. — and perfectly legal — to talk about it. What many workers don’t realize is that it is unlawful for private sector employers to prohibit employees from discussing wages and compensation, and it has been since the National Labor Relations Act was passed in 1935.

Is it rude to ask coworker salary?

Yes, it is highly inappropriate to ask colleagues about their salaries. Doing so is obnoxious and in bad taste. Besides, your employer may have rules prohibiting coworkers from discussing pay or your employer may have told you directly not to discuss pay with your coworkers.

Can you ask how much a coworker makes?

The National Labor Relations Act, signed into law more than 80 years ago, also allows an employee to discuss pay with other workers. “It is, in most private-sector contexts, at least, a protected activity under federal labor law,” said Cynthia Estlund, a law professor at New York University.

What should you never ask a coworker?

19 questions you should never ask your coworkers, even if you’re friends

  • ‘How much do you get paid?’
  • ‘Did you hear …?’
  • ‘Are you pregnant?’
  • ‘Did you make it home OK last night?’
  • ‘You’re so thin!
  • ‘Can I borrow some cash?’
  • ‘Looking sharp!
  • ‘I like the way those pants fit you — do you work out?’

Can I talk about my salary with coworkers?

Your right to discuss your salary information with your coworkers is protected by the federal government. According to The New York Times, the National Labor Relations Act states that employers can’t ban the discussion of salary and working conditions among employees. Only your coworkers can tell you their salaries.

Why does my coworker get paid more than me?

“Think about why certain pay decisions might have been made,” she says. Perhaps the higher-earning colleague has more seniority, more experience, or better qualifications. Maybe he was recruited away from another company. Think, too, about your performance, productivity, and contributions.

What do you do when a coworker is making more than you?

What to do when you find out your co-worker makes more money than you do

  1. Don’t act out of immediate anger. I know what you’re thinking: Duh.
  2. Don’t mention specific names or salaries.
  3. Don’t come unprepared with market data.
  4. Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
  5. Don’t stay at the company out of fear.

How to deal with a rude coworker at work?

If you notice repeated rude behavior, ask trusted colleagues in confidence if they have noticed the same types of rude behavior. It helps you to know whether you are the only one who has taken offense. Other coworkers may be able to provide insight into the rude behavior that will help you address it. 4.

Do you have to speak up if a coworker treats you poorly?

To be clear, you’re never obligated to do this. You’re allowed to speak up if a coworker treats you poorly. But sometimes choosing not to let it get to you can be the easiest way to deal with it. But if it’s not… Speak up.

What happens when you borrow money from a co-worker?

I lent a couple of co-workers money. One co-worker has responsibly paid me back right after pay day each of the few times he has borrowed money. The other co-worker has not. I have had to ask him for it and have gotten the response that he will pay me when he gets paid. When pay day comes, nothing and I’m forgotten.

How to ask a coworker to return a loan?

If none of those things work, ask your supervisor if he will be a witness while you ask the coworker for the return of the loan. It is not a work related issue specifically and the supervisor should not be involved in it directly. However, it would not hurt for a supervisor to be present and you handle the conversation.******************