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Feds: Connecticut EMT Facebook Firing Is Illegal
WASHINGTON - Federal authorities say a Connecticut woman was illegally fired from her job as an emergency medical technician after she posted disparaging remarks about her boss on Facebook.
The National Labor Relations Board alleges that the woman's comments are protected speech under federal law that allows employees to discuss their jobs and working conditions with co-workers.
The case could set a precedent as more workers use social networking sites.
A spokesman for American Medical Response of Connecticut says the employee was fired because of complaints about her work. But the company defends its policy prohibiting workers from depicting the company in any way on the Internet.
An administrative law judge is expected to hear the case in January.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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The National Labor Relations Board alleges that the woman's comments are protected speech under federal law that allows employees to discuss their jobs and working conditions with co-workers.
The case could set a precedent as more workers use social networking sites.
A spokesman for American Medical Response of Connecticut says the employee was fired because of complaints about her work. But the company defends its policy prohibiting workers from depicting the company in any way on the Internet.
An administrative law judge is expected to hear the case in January.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bill Brierton on
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This could be interesting. We'll see if anything develops.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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This could overturn the firings of hundreds of people who've been fired due to posting something on the web, let alone Facebook.
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Permalink Reply by Gary Stevenson on
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Absolutely because how far will free speech be taken?
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Permalink Reply by Mark Oomkes on
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So is insubordination only when someone is on the clock?
Sounds like that's sort of the decision.
Betting this isn't the end of it, I see SCOTUS involved.
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Permalink Reply by Fabulous Heather Days of Summer on
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yes - watch the ambulance service counter sue for a more serious "public defamation of character against the company" and sue the EMT for several million dollars - loss of clients, loss of public respect, etc.
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Permalink Reply by Patti Walz on
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Should prove to be an interesting bit.
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Permalink Reply by Lane Doby on
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AMR didn't need this lady to make them look bad on Facebook. They have a history of making themselves look bad without any help.
And I agree that this should prove to be very interesting. I wonder if she may sue for loss of wages or any other damages?
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Permalink Reply by GARY HANSON on
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Now they might start watching YOU {:>
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