Dooce?

Hmm did you post/write it on work premises/time?

wow they made an example out of you. now the sheep will really stay quiet. congrats on your next chapter. move on... move up

Facebook is basicly a public place. Would you have said these things to a news reporter who was video recording you? I assume your complaint is legitimate, but I'm not surprisd they fired you.

Anonymous wrote:I'd fire you for that, too. FWIW.

And, you would have committed a violation of federal labor law.

OP, this case appears to apply to your situation:

In the second decision, issued December 14, 2012, the Board found that it was unlawful for a non-profit organization to fire five employees who participated in Facebook postings about a coworker who intended to complain to management about their work performance. In its analysis, the Board majority applied settled Board law to social media and found that the Facebook conversation was concerted activity and was protected by the National Labor Relations Act.

The key is that you need to have complained WITH other co-workers, not simply on your own.

Here is a basic review of "protected, concerted activity:"

http://www.nlrb.gov/rights-we-protect/protected-concerted-activity

Here is an overview of how the NLRB has treated social media cases:

http://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/fact-sheets/nlrb-and-social-media

If you aren't a lawyer, I suggest that you call the NLRB Regional Office and explain what happened to you. A Board Agent can review the law with you and help you file a ULP.

I'd fire you for that, too. FWIW.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an at-will employee can't you be fired for anything at any time?

Exactly.

I believe there are exceptions to the rule, such as tenured professors.. but an average employee can be fired at any time.

Wrong. You cannot be fired for an illegal reason, i.e. discrimination (Title VII and state anti-discrimination laws) or for engaged in protected, concerted activity around workplace conditions (NLRA). State law may also protect you if you engaged in whistleblowing activities and were retaliated against.

Your employer may have committed an unfair labor practice because you engaged in concerted activity by complaining about a workplace condition (no raise) with your co-workers (as evidenced by the "likes" you got). This protected, concerted activity is protected by the National Labor Relations Act-- regardless of whether you were represented by a union (most people don't realize that the NLRA protects them even if they aren't unionized).

Recently the NLRB has pursued many cases on behalf of employees who engaged in protected concerted activity through social media. If you google NLRB and Facebook cases, you can learn more.

I don't know where you live, but go to the NLRB website, and call the Regional Office where your company is located. They will direct you to a Board Agent, where you can file your ULP charge. The Agent will interview you and you can give an affidavit. If there is merit to your allegations, the Region may issue a complaint.

Unfortunately, due to our broken labor laws, you will not likely get your job back or get any back pay for years while your case winds its way through the system. You should start looking for a new job ASAP. Failure to mitigate your damages--by not working-- will reduce any back pay award you may receive (years down the road).

hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:As an at-will employee can't you be fired for anything at any time?

Exactly.

I believe there are exceptions to the rule, such as tenured professors.. but an average employee can be fired at any time.

Does your company have a published social media policy? I'd start with that - my company has a very clearly written policy that strongly discourages what you describe. Also, did you mention the company by name?

Our handbook says we are "at will" employees. Am I screwed??

As an at-will employee can't you be fired for anything at any time?

We haven't gotten a raise in almost two years, and when they need someone to work overtime, they don't ask for volunteers, they just schedule you. Among other things. I vented about this on Facebook, and some of the people I work with saw it (some "liked" my post - I'm not alone!), and I guess someone told my boss. I got fired for this! This doesn't seem right, can I be fired for this? Help!