My sister is an older public city employee for a mid-sized Ohio town. She was recently punished for complaining about her salary (which is public data) to a coworker. She complained that new, younger employees are paid more than her. Her coworker reported her to the manager. She received a written reprimand. She was told that she was due for an equity salary adjustment to fix her pay, but, because if her write up, that she’d no longer be getting the salary adjustment.
Are public employees in Ohio allowed to discuss salary or is the speech not protected for city workers? Are there any penalties for the manager who retaliated?