United States: National Labor Relations Board reminds employees’ rights regarding social media

Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other e-novelties didn’t exist in 1935 when the agency was created.  However, NLRB representatives think they are perfectly able to deal with this new issue.  Last fall, they looked into the case of a woman employed by an ambulance company in Connecticut, American Medical Response.  She was discharged for posting negative comments about a supervisor on her Facebook page, writing that he was a “lunatic.”  Regardless of the word used, the NLRB representatives decided that the conversations between this employee and her colleagues were “protected” by law because they aimed to improve working conditions in the company.  “It's the same as talking at the water cooler,” said Lafe Solomon, the board's acting general counsel. "The point is that employees have protection under the law to talk to each other about conditions at work.”  Before even going to the administrative court, the NLRB and American Medical Response found a compromise and the company changed the rule that prevented discussing the company on Facebook.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

rd’s acting general counsel. “The point is that employees have protection under the law to talk to each other about conditions at work.” Before even going to the administrative court, the NLRB and American Medical Response found a compromise and the company changed the rule that prevented discussing the company on Facebook.

The legal framework applicable to the e-sphere is nevertheless not totally clear. Another case is coming up. The NLRB representatives got in touch with the management of T

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
EU: Commission issues first recommendation on human capital as part of European Semester
In parallel with the European Semester adopted on 25 November, which proposes guidelines to member states on economic policies for the coming year, the European Commission has adopted an...
3
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
4
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...