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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    2

    Default Work Claims Slander, Freedom of Speech

    My question involves defamation in the state of: Pennsylvania

    I work for a retail store. I recently discovered a bug in my produce, and immediately went to facebook, saying "ew, there's a bug in my produce"
    The next week, I'm pulled into the office by my boss and given a copy of the social media guidelines. Apparantly I'm not allowed to post ANYTHING on any social media site that puts my employer in a bad light, even if it's true. Doesn't that infringe on my freedom of speech, outside of the workplace? I'm sorry, but if i find a bug in my food, i'm gonnna wanna tweet about it. I wasn't saying "hey world, don't buy food from ------, it's full of bugs"
    The best part, my facebook is set to complete privacy. A coworker said what she THOUGHT she saw, and a boss tried to coerce her into showing him my facebook page. Thankfully a) she said she didn't have internet on her phone and b) I was smart (kinda) and took down my post five minutes after I put it up at midnight the night before.
    I'm sorry, but when I was in school, I was taught that it's not slander if its true. When did it suddenly become illegal to speak the truth, if it hurts anothers repuation?
    And for the record, none of that meeting was officially recorded. It was just a "friendly little chat session, making sure I knew what the policies were."
    Any input?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Work Claims Slander, Freedom of Speech

    . Doesn't that infringe on my freedom of speech, outside of the workplace?
    your freedom of speech (1st amendment rights) deal with the government not being able to stifle you. Your employer is still free to silence or fire you for refusing to abide by their rules, and yes, even while you are off the clock.

    there is nothing illegal about your statements but your employer can fire you if they do not like what you post online. Heck, they can fire you for nothing.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Work Claims Slander, Freedom of Speech

    thank you for reminding me of the sad truth. you're right, an employer can fire you for nothing. Thank you for clearing that up for me, before i went all up in arms and lost my job. Yay for corporate america.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    CT & IL
    Posts
    5,273

    Default Re: Work Claims Slander, Freedom of Speech

    In my state, an employer would not be able to do anything .. check your state labor laws...

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