Re: Suspended Without Pay
Absent a collective bargaining agreement or contract to the contrary, your recourse is to file for UI for those weeks. The first will be served as a waiting week. Doing so may put you on UI, while you look for new employment.
Re: Suspended Without Pay
Work resources have nothing to do with it. Obviously it was on company time. If you are suspended without pay, you certainly don't work during that period. Basicly, unless you are a public employee protected by a collective bargaining agreement, there is nothing you can do, except quite or continue being a gossip and get fired. Most employment is at the will of the employer and you can be fired for or without cause.
Re: Suspended Without Pay
OP, when did you exchange text messages with Co-worker B? Was it during work or after work? What was the substance of the messages?
Re: Suspended Without Pay
It is not inherently illegal to suspend (or even fire) you for use of your personal cells on company time. However, I know what ESteele is getting at and his questions are relevant to whether in this specific set of circumstances, the suspension might be a violation. If you can answer his questions, you can get a more direct answer.