NLRB Stays On The Social Media Beat

The NLRB recently issued a complaint against Chicagoarea car dealer that fired an employee based on comments the employee posted on Facebook. Here’s the guts of the complaint:

(a) On or about June 14, 2010, Charging Party Becker posted on his Facebook page employees’ concerted protest and concerns about Respondent’s handling of a sales event which could impact their earnings.

(b) On or about June 22, 2010, Respondent discharged Charging Party Becker.

(c) Respondent engaged in the conduct described above in paragraph IV(b) because Charging Party Becker engaged in the conduct described above in paragraph IV(a) and to discourage employees from engaging in these or other concerted activities.

This is not the first time the NLRB has taken action in this type of scenario, and it is certainly not the last time it will. Employers really should take a look at the link at the top of this post for some tips on what the NLRB is thinking. And before you fire an employee for a social media post, you might want to consult a lawyer.