Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California
workplace freedom of speech
if a person is reprimanded at work by
his/her manager is that person allowed
to discuss it with his/her coworkers.
Asked on 9/26/08, 12:00 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone
Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE
Re: workplace freedom of speech
As a practical matter, why would anyone who was reprimanded in the workplace want to discuss the matter with a coworker? Certainly the employer would be within its rights to instruct the employee not to discuss the matter with coworkers.
The California Supreme Court has ruled that employees have limited First Amendment free speech rights in the workplace.
However, I don't see any reason why an employee can't discuss the company's personnel or discipline policies with coworkers in general terms without getting into specifics.
Answered on 9/26/08, 12:09 pm