I just ask my coworkers what they make, and share what I make. Isn't everyone doing this? Doing so is protected by federal law.

I am also pretty open about salary but a lot of people seem to get really nervous talking about it. Seems the employer propaganda is working.

By co-workers do you mean people in your same position or you mean you also walk in to your bosses office or your bosses bosses offie and ask them how much they make? Other than companies with unique cultures, I would imagine very few would do that (or get a pleasant response), but if amounts are listed on job descriptions you would know how much everyone above you is making. Even asking 'co-workers' how much they make would vary greatly based on the type of company and job you work in, where that would be deemed acceptable behavior, or result in the person happily telling you. As would also depend on if the person you are asking makes more than you or less, if more they would presumably be less likely to tell you or tell your as honestly.

There is some nuance. Coworkers at my level are always fair game. A boss? Depends on the boss. Well adjusted bosses I have a great working relationship with? Definitely. Those have been the majority of my managers over my 20 year career. Bosses with an unhealthy demeanor or an axe to grind? Or executive leadership? No, unfortunately not. In those situations, I've found success in conversations with their peers or someone from HR lets a pay band slip. People like to talk, people like attention. YMMV.

When someone asks me, to show I'm honest, I provide my paystub. I accept that the data I receive might not be accurate, but that doesn't stop me from trying.

I also show my paystub when asked. It’s my little part of working against the information asymmetry.

I welcome salary discussions with any coworker who wants to talk about it, but I almost _never_ initiate the conversation. It's still too much of a taboo with many people to be worth the risk.

Based on anecdata, no, not everyone is doing this.

You've never encountered any animosity from this?

Only once or twice. Other people's feelings are for them to own, doesn't bother me. The power asymmetry doesn't change between employer and employees if you don't make efforts to do so. That's more important to me than if you like me as a person, or want to have lunch with me.