>>Even just 10 years ago, the company I used to work for would have christmas parties where bonuses would be paid out. The men, whether single or married, received bonuses double or triple the amount of women. It didn't matter what their responsibilities were at work. Some of the women held higher positions at lower wages than men in jobs with less responsibilities.
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>How did they know that? I've seen one's salary being held as a tightly protected secret. I have a friend from one of previous jobs who eventually, after some thinking, reluctantly agreed to tell me what(*) his salary was when we used to work together... even though at that time it was two years after that company ceased to exist.
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>So if salaries are so secret, how does one know that women are paid less anywhere? There are statistics, OK, but statistics are broad. Within one company, then, how?

It is typically a closely held secret and sometimes the discussion of salaries can lead to dismissal. Each company has its own rules. for that company, I cannot divulge how it was known even though I haven't worked there for years. :o) I know people who still work there today.