company social media policies
These two links were sent to me today by a KSL reporter:
They have huge ramifications for what employees can and can't say in social media about their work.
From the AP story posted on Google:
"Employers should think twice before trying to restrict workers from talking about their jobs on Facebook or other social media."That's the message the government sent on Monday as it settled a closely watched lawsuit against a Connecticut ambulance company that fired an employee after she went on Facebook to criticize her boss."The National Labor Relations Board sued the company last year, arguing the worker's negative comments were protected speech under federal labor laws. The company claimed it fired the emergency medical technician because of complaints about her work."Under the settlement with the labor board, American Medical Response of Connecticut Inc. agreed to change its blogging and Internet policy that barred workers from disparaging the company or its supervisors. The company also will revise another policy that prohibited employees from depicting the company in any way over the Internet without permission."
So I ask: Does your company have a social media or Internet policy?
If not, it should.
And if so, it can't prevent you from posting comments in social media about your job - so says a Connecticut court.
PS - The law is way behind when it comes to keeping up with technology. People have commented about this frequently in workshops and seminars I lead. My comments to them, and today after seeing these reports, remain the same - the legal system will eventually address the varied cultural and social implications of social media. But until it does, it's like the Wild West and some brave person or organization will have to lead the way and be willing to take it to the courts to set a precedent.
Pete Codella | Accredited in Public Relations | 801.448.7383 | petecodella.com | @codella