Court ruling highlights legal risks for HR when disciplining staff over pay and workplace discussions
A federal court warns employers: firing staff for discussing pay or workplace conditions can result in serious legal consequences under labor law.
On October 28, 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted enforcement of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) order against North Mountain Foothills Apartments, a Phoenix-based property management company, after it discharged a maintenance technician for discussing his compensation and the state of the workplace with colleagues. The case, which began with a complaint filed by the technician, Jasper Press, highlights the risks employers face when they respond negatively to conversations about pay or working conditions.
Press joined North Mountain Foothills Apartments in August 2021, hired to help address a backlog of maintenance requests during a Phoenix heatwave. His compensation package included $25 an hour and access to a three-bedroom apartment at the complex. On his first day, Press spoke with several coworkers about his pay and housing benefit, and commented on the “dilapidated condition” of the complex, including pest infestations and constant leaks from aging equipment.
Supervisors soon learned that other employees were aware of Press’s compensation. The next day, Press was approached by management and asked how coworkers knew about his pay. He denied sharing the information directly, suggesting someone might...
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