Blogging about the Workplace

With all of the social media outlets, it's bound that some frustrated employees may blog about their workplace.  However, you need to be careful if you're thinking of posting your feelings about your workplace on the internet.  If you live in an employment at-will state, your employer can terminate you for your posts, even if the posts are written after work hours.  Also, if living in an employment at-will state, your employer can terminate you for things that they deem inappropriate, i.e. inappropriate non-work related posts or pictures.  So, what's the solution to this?  Don't post about your work on the web, and use discretion when posting non-related work comments or pictures.

Are there any protections an employee may have against their employer taking action against them for internet posts?  Maybe.

1) If your internet post contains workplace complaints relating to FMLA, discrimination, a hostile work environment, wage and hour violations, you may be protected from your employer taking disciplinary action against you.

2) An employee who raises concerns about illegal activities or safety concerns at work be pay protected as a whistle blower. 

Also, some states now are enacting laws preventing employers from terminating employees based on their after-hour internet posts. 

If you have a question or concern in regard to your rights in the workplace, contact Ambuter Law for your free case evaluation.

Update on Pregnancy Discrimination Guidelines in the Workplace

In July 2014, the EEOC issued an update, its first in 30 years, in regard to pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.  In its update, the EEOC clarified how Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interact to protect pregnant employees.

The new guidelines state that employers are prohibited from forcing pregnant employees from taking leave.  The new guideline also acknowledges that "employers may have to provide light duty for pregnant workers."

Women are not the only ones who will benefit from these new guidelines; "similarly situated" men and women must be treated on the same terms when it comes to parental leave.

To read the new guidelines, click here.

If you are the victim of discrimination in the workplace, contact Ambuter Law for your free case evaluation.