AAUP Updates:
The National Labor Relations Board recently issued a decision significantly expanding the right of employees to use their employers' e-mail systems for union organizing and other activities protected by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. The decision is available at http://mynlrb.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d45819e22c9.
In Purple Communications the board explained that “the use of email as a common form of workplace communication has expanded dramatically in ecent years.” Therefore the board ruled that “employee use of email for statutorily protected communications on nonworking time must presumptively be permitted by employers who have chosen to give employees access to their email systems.” While the case addressed communications supporting the union during an organizing drive, given the board's expansion of protected activity, this also includes communications critical of the employer's employment-related policies, practices and management decisions.