Fired for Facebook comments?
Posted by Michael Kiefer on Wed, Feb 09, 2011
During lunch today my blood boiled more than my soup in the microwave! It is dangerous for me to read the Wallstreet Journal at lunch lately. I would like your thoughts!
A company has a defined employee policy around what employees can say and cannot say in social media.
Employee signs off and agrees with the policy. Employee violates the policy, gets fired and then goes the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) via her union. Company settles with the agreement that they will revamp their policy "not to restrict workers rights". They further agree to "not discipline or discharge employees for engaging in discussions about wages and other work issues when not on the job", per the NLRB.
The NLRB is a federal agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act.
Back in 1935, as they discussed the internet and social media, I am sure they discussed how much latitude employees may have when posting comments on Facebook or other social sites.
Do you think the NLRB is right? Companies should not worry what employees say on social sites? 
I can think of only six reasons to embrace 1935 standards!
Average Cost of new house $3,450.00
Average wages per year $1,600.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 10 cents
Average Cost for house rent $22.00 per month
A loaf of Bread 8 cents
Average New Car Price $625.00