I am a student at a hospital, soon to graduate. This hospital constantly mistreats their employees and relies on the constant flow of fresh graduates to replace the constant loss of employees. One of the employees (whom LOVES the job he works but is struggling to pay the bills for his family. Note: both him and his wife work.) Decides to ask management why the pay gap between modalities is so drastic. He understands you need to go to an extra year of school to be certified in these other positions. However, even as a student I realize the workload between jobs is night and day. The other position although includes more schooling has a calmer workload and has far less risks than this job.
But at this hospital the pay difference is $15-$20 and is even posted on their website. He just wanted to know why it is such a large pay gap being that he has gotten as high as he can get in his current job. (Also this hospital bought out all other hospitals in this town and rarely gives an opportunity to cross train.)
And this boss literally told him that “wherever you heard that is likely lying.” to which he replied that this information is posted on the workers website. And this boss got mad and told this employee and then the entire department that “we should be happy about our pay because it's not about money its about helping people” and ” perhaps not discuss pay if it makes you upset” and ” to understand we have students graduating every year that would be happy to have this job”.
This feels like workplace gaslighting. But also being that this hospital bought out the other hospital in this town…there isn't much anyone can do except move away which isnt an option for everyone. Our hands feel tied.
Today, I am in a rotation with the boss of all these modailities and she is currently in a meeting with the man mentioned above who is above her and dictates pay etc that told us all of this.
My question is:
Is this legit workplace gaslighting?
Can hospitals even unionize?
I understand we have a right to discuss pay.