Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default Freedom of Speech at Work

    My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Maryland
    Is it legal for a Manager/Supervisor to tell an employee that he is not permitted to criticize or complain or express an opinion about management and their practices?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Freedom of Speech at Work

    As you have worded the question, possibly. More details are needed.

    FYI, the First Amendment states that the government cannot limit your right to criticize the government. It has nothing to do with what limits your employer can place.

    So in the event that the answer to your question is no, and we do not know yet if this is the case, it will not be a freedom of speech issue.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: Freedom of Speech at Work

    To put it another way, an employer can tell an employee that if that employee says another word they are fired... and it is legal.

    An employer can tell an employee that they cannot make a personal phone call or they are fired... and it is legal.

    Unless you are an employee of the government (and not even then except in particular cases), the answer to your question is "yes, your employer can tell you that the next complaint will be translated as 'please fire me'"

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Freedom of Speech at Work

    Let's put it this way...

    It does make a negative workplace if everyone is always talking about "My manager is an idiot". Criticism of a supervisor, co-worker, etc., needs to be handled delicately.

    And really - if you don't like a supervisors, etc., policy, etc - it's time to start looking for a new job. Because there is only a snowman's chance in Hell of things improving.

    Basically, unless you are under an employment contract, you are considered to be working AT WILL. This means you can be fired for any or no reason.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Freedom of Speech at Work

    There is a specific law I am thinking of that *might* be impacted by this question so that the answer is no, it would not be legal, but I cannot tell with the information provided. On the other hand, depending on what kind of criticism we are talking about and to whom it is being offered, it's also possible that the answer is yes, it would be legal.

    If the OP wants to post back with more detail, I may be able to tell which is which.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Slander: Work Claims Slander, Freedom of Speech
    By temperance in forum Defamation, Slander And Libel
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-23-2011, 05:59 PM
  2. Student Speech Rights: Freedom Of Speech At School
    By Rocky in forum Education Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-02-2009, 02:48 AM
  3. Privacy: Freedom Of Speech At Work
    By shycrazyfungirl in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 01-10-2008, 11:37 AM
  4. Student Privacy: Privacy and Freedom of Speech
    By nonparty23 in forum Education Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-24-2007, 04:13 PM
  5. Harassment: Freedom of Speech in the Workplace
    By Learning in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 06-09-2007, 08:47 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources