Legal Question in Business Law in Maryland

freedom of opinion on the job

I am an Union employee. I have worked for the same employer for 26 years. In the past 5 years, the management people have changed, and worker moral is low. I have been told by a manager that I cannot criticize management, and to quit saying negative things to other workers about how things are worse off. Do I have to shut my mouth in fear of disciplinary action, or do I have the right to voice my opinion?


Asked on 1/27/08, 9:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: freedom of opinion on the job

In MD, like other states, most relationship between employer and employee and known as employment at will. This means that an employee can be disciplined or discharged for anything not specifically prohibited by law, or by the terms of a union contract. As to the latter, read the union agreement or consult with your union representatives as to what safeguards are available to you in the event discipline is proposed. But bear in mind that employers have a lot of leeway in this area.

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Answered on 1/28/08, 1:40 pm


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