The NLRB did it again. One has to wonder if these folks have ever had to run a business. You will note that many of the policies deemed illegal were drafted by high-end counsel at major corporations who are undoubtedly aware of employee’s NLRA Section 7 and 8 rights. But what do they know? The NLRB is undercutting every level of decency corporations try to establish. It clearly has nothing to do with common sense or “real” workers’ rights, it’s simply a political football. Read it yourself and tell me you don’t feel that way too. Call your boss an asshole, trash the company brand, disclose confidential info, get fired for it and the NLRB will put you back to work! Really? And this is what we pay taxes to a broke government for?

P.S. Of course, this is my opinion only. While it may be shared by many, it is not shared by all.  Here’s a fact – I represented employees in litigation for 17 years of a short life, so I don’t want to hear about supporting some right wing agenda. I’m a pragmatist and this is flat out nonsense. You will also note they don’t add the facts or names of these cases because the actual conduct of the employees involved would be hard for most to stomach.

Guidelines

If the social media policy does not explicitly restrict protected activities, it will only violate Section 8(a)(1) upon a showing that: (1) employees would reasonably construe the language to prohibit Section 7 activity; (2) the rule was promulgated in response to union activity; or (3) the rule has been applied to restrict the exercise of Section 7 rights.

Rules that are ambiguous as to their application to Section 7 activity, and contain no limiting language or context that would clarify to employees that the rule does not restrict Section 7 rights, are unlawful (which is where most of these policies fail). In contrast, rules that clarify and restrict their scope by including examples of clearly illegal or unprotected conduct, such that they would not reasonably be construed to cover protected activity, are not unlawful.

Reality is, none of these employees ever studies these rules or even thinks about them before they engage in their “protected” conduct.  But because of the remote chance it may actually “chill” conduct, decency goes out the window.

Given the above guidelines, the NRLB found plenty of polices wanting. Rather than waste your time summarizing all the things you can’t do I’ll focus on identifying what they said you can do. If you want to make yourself feel ill you can read the entire memo at http://www.nlrb.gov/news/acting-general-counsel-releases-report-employer-social-media-policies I have given up on trying to modify our policy for the umpteenth time. To be on the 100% safe side you can simply use the sample policy that the NLRB said is OK below.

Last note: It has been my approach to involve employees in creating these policies so they can be “self-enforced” and not viewed as some top down control document. Since the end result of such a common sense approach may in fact violate NLRB guidelines, the safest best is to go with their sample policy.

Sample Social Media Policy

At [Employer], we understand that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established these guidelines for appropriate use of social media.

This policy applies to all associates who work for [Employer], or one of its subsidiary companies in the United States ([Employer]). Managers and supervisors should use the supplemental Social Media Management Guidelines for additional guidance in administering the policy.

Guidelines
In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with [Employer], as well as any other form of electronic communication.

The same principles and guidelines found in [Employer] policies and three basic beliefs apply to your activities online. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow associates or otherwise adversely affects members, customers, suppliers, people who work on behalf of [Employer] or [Employer’s] legitimate business interests may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Know and follow the rules
Carefully read these guidelines, the [Employer] Statement of Ethics Policy, the [Employer] Information Policy and the Discrimination & Harassment Prevention Policy, and ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Be respectful
Always be fair and courteous to fellow associates, customers, members, suppliers or people who work on behalf of [Employer]. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolved work-related complaints by speaking directly with your co-workers or by utilizing our Open Door Policy than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements, photographs, video or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, that disparage customers, members, associates or suppliers, or that might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other status protected by law or company policy.

Be honest and accurate
Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered.

Remember that the Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted postings can be searched. Never post any information or rumors that you know to be false about [Employer], fellow associates, members, customers, suppliers, people working on behalf of [Employer] or competitors.

Post only appropriate and respectful content

• Maintain the confidentiality of [Employer] trade secrets and private or confidential information. Trades secrets may include information regarding the development of systems, processes, products, know-how and technology. Do not post internal reports, policies, procedures or other internal business-related confidential communications.
• Respect financial disclosure laws. It is illegal to communicate or give a “tip” on inside information to others so that they may buy or sell stocks or securities. Such online conduct may also violate the Insider Trading Policy.
• Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to a [Employer] website without identifying yourself as a [Employer] associate.
• Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for [Employer]. If [Employer] is a subject of the content you are creating, be clear and open about the fact that you are an associate and make it clear that your views do not represent those of [Employer], fellow associates, members, customers, suppliers or people working on behalf of [Employer]. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do or subjects associated with [Employer], make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of [Employer]. It is best to include a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of [Employer].”

Using social media at work
Refrain from using social media while on work time or on equipment we provide, unless it is work-related as authorized by your manager or consistent with the Company Equipment Policy.

Do not use [Employer] email addresses to register on social networks, blogs or other online tools utilized for personal use.

Retaliation is prohibited
[Employer] prohibits taking negative action against any associate for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any associate who retaliates against another associate for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Be Cautious
Develop a healthy suspicion. Don’t let anyone trick you into disclosing confidential information. Be suspicious if asked to ignore identification procedures.

 Media contacts
Associates should not speak to the media on [Employer’s] behalf without contacting the Corporate Affairs Department. All media inquiries should be directed to them.

For more information
If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact your HR representative.

According to the NLRB memo here are some more “OK” provisions:

• Confidentiality re information directly or indirectly related to the safety performance of [Employer] systems or components for vehicles;
• Confidentiality re [Employer] Secret, Confidential or Attorney-Client Privileged information;
• “harassment, bullying, discrimination, or retaliation that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible between co-workers online, even if it is done after hours, from home and on home computers.”
• “statements which are slanderous or detrimental to the company” that appeared on a list of prohibited conduct including “sexual or racial harassment” and “sabotage”
• No unauthorized postings: Users may not post anything on the Internet in the name of [Employer] or in a manner that could reasonably be attributed to [Employer] without prior written authorization from the President or the President’s designated agent.
• A prohibition on representing “any opinion or statement as the policy or view of the [Employer] or of any individual in their capacity as an employee or otherwise on behalf of [Employer].”

Watch Don’s 35-minute video on what you must know about a recent NLRB Memo on Social Media today! HR That Works members can see the updated Social Media Policy and Special Report in the Social Media Training Module.