Ignoring the recruiter problem for a second, should I ever feel obligated to disclose salary information? I have had potential employers straight up ask me what my current salary is, should I just tell them I'm not going to answer that question?
- "I don't feel comfortable sharing that" - "I'm still looking at a couple different options and don't want to pigeon hole myself" - "What salary is being offered with this position?"
If they take issue with your non-response, its a (small) sign that you might headed towards a non-ideal working environment.
Even federally arguing that current salary is a trade secret is a legal gray area.
If it's confidential after that, it should be confidential before, too.
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/13/301989789/pay-secrecy-policies...
Discussing your salary is always, ALWAYS legal.
ALWAYS.
It's also moral and ethical. It's the cornerstone of collective action. It is information that can NEVER hurt either you or your coworker, because someone is going to have to justify a salary in one direction or another as a result. Never, ever hesitate to share your salary information with anyone who wants to know.
Ashamed that it's too high? Work to get your coworkers raises. Ashamed that it's too low? Time to open negotiations, either with your current employer or another one.