Can employers legally terminate employees based on posts made on social media?
In Washington, employers can legally terminate employees based on posts made on social media, depending on the circumstances. For example, an employer may terminate an employee if their posts contain discriminatory remarks, or if they are disrespectful to the workplace or to the employer. In addition, employers are allowed to terminate employees if the posts made on social media could expose the employer to legal action or if the posts were made during work hours. In order for employers to terminate employees based on posts made on social media, the posts must be associated with either the employer or the workplace in some way. For example, an employer can terminate an employee if they post critical comments about their workplace or coworkers on their personal accounts. It is important to note that the National Labor Relations Board does provide some protection for employees who make posts related to their working conditions. However, posts that ridicule or disparage the employer, coworkers, or customers can still be grounds for termination. In summary, employers in Washington are legally allowed to terminate employees based on posts made on social media, depending on the specific circumstances. Posts that contain discriminatory remarks, are disrespectful to the workplace or employer, or could expose the employer to legal action can all be grounds for termination.
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