NLRB MANDATES CHANGES IN SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES
Please read below for information on NLRB changes in Social Media Policies from our
partner, Mike Trachtman, Powell Trachtman Logan Carrle & Lombardo PC.
Many employers prohibit employees from making certain statements on Facebook pages,
blogs and other social media sites. During the last year, the National Labor Relations Board (which regulates both union and non-union companies) has brought unfair labor practice
charges against various employers based on these policies – the NLRB’s position is that many of these policies unlawfully restrict employee rights to engage in “concerted
activity” designed to improve working conditions.
On May 30, 2012, the NLRB published a comprehensive report detailing its position on this issue. The report states
that the NLRB will challenge many, typical policies – for instance, prohibitions on negative statements about an employer, the disclosure of employee compensation information,
statements about legal proceedings, and much more. See the upcoming Workplace Advisor for more details.
Employers should take steps to conform their policies to these
new requirements. MEA will soon publish a suggested policy, and will be offering additional training programs to assist with compliance efforts.
For further information
or assistance, contact your MEA representative.
*This MEA Member Alert is provided for general informational
purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.