What is clear basis for retaliation or wrongful denial of promotion?

Question

I work in the transportation industry. I was told by a manager that a new supervisory position was being created specifically so that I could be promoted without having to wait for an opening.  
I was then called into a meeting and was told that herself and upper management were “pulling the plug” on the new position because I discussed my wage with a peer. That it is an “unwritten rule” and “proper business etiquette” to not speak about your wage with others. It demonstrated that I “lacked experience” and was “not ready to be a supervisor.” 
I have records of exemplary employee evaluations, and have been presented with 2 raises in less than a year of employment with the company. 
It feels as though I am being punished for exercising a legally protected activity.  
Since I technically was not applying for an open position and assume nothing was in writing about this new position. Is it worth looking further into?

Louis George Fazzi · Answer

You have a free speech right to share your income with other employees, for that is how you learn whether you are being discriminated against or not. 
You can go to your HR department and file a complaint against the persons who are taking the opportunity from you. Be prepared to fight for your rights. 
If you need help, contact an employment lawyer for advice on how to proceed.

Neil Pedersen · Answer

It is a violation of both the National Labor Relations Act and the California Labor Code to retaliate against an employee for sharing wage information with another employee.  If it can be proved that you lost the promotion for the reason they stated, you would have a meritorious legal claim where you could seek financial loss and emotional distress damages, as well as having your attorney fees and costs paid by the employer. 
 
If you wish to pursue such a claim it would be a good idea for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options.  I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers. 
   
Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low cost consultation in the beginning and then, if the matter has merit and value, will usually agree to work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney. 
   
Good luck to you.

Q: What is clear basis for retaliation or wrongful denial of promotion?