so there's this big long story, but basically is discussing wages with other employees grounds for termination?

You may discuss your own wages with other employees. If you are fired or disciplined for doing that, the company is in violation of the National Labor Relations Act.

However, you can be disciplined or fired for discussing someone else's wages.

Example: I can tell you what I make, and you can tell Scott what you make. But if I tell you what Scott makes, I can be fired.