I work in Sales in PA. My company is based out West. Five years ago, I hired and trained my husband. We are only two employees in PA.

Last week, I asked company president for a promotion. He agreed.

This week, HR called from outwest and said, NO, that PA has a law against spouses supervising each other.

I'm confused, it was ok I hired and trained him. We've made the company lots of money. Now that I ask for a promotion, it's illegal in PA? Thanks.

The company may have such a policy (and it's not a bad policy to have), but no state has such a law, including PA.

Hi Pattymd,
Thank you for the comeback.

I agree completely with Patty but also wish to point out that one spouse supervising another is a very bad idea - it can lead to all sorts of problems at work (or at least the perception of problems) and certainly has the potential to put a strain on your marriage as well.

If you wish to advance in your career, you're going to have to do it in a department in which your husband doesn't work or seek new employment elsewhere. The latter actually isn't a bad idea as if something unforseen should happen at work, such as the company being sold or business taking a nose dive, you BOTH could end up unemployed. It's not usually a good idea for both spouses to have all your economic eggs in the same basket.

Good luck.

Hi, thanks for the comeback- it's so very important to us that there isn't a law they are trying to make us believe exists here in PA...and we are so please that both of you confirmed that for us. You sure are also right about eggs in the same basket...right now with the job market as such...it's been working for us- it's like we have our own business. We are grateful.