Brothers and Sisters,

As I am sure you are aware, in these volatile times, social media is becoming ever more a flashpoint for conflict in our society.   The members that we represent need to be aware of the fact that our major employers maintain social media policies for their employees and monitor social media for postings that they perceive may cause them problems with customers or the public at large.   Although the IUEC will strive to protect the right of its members to express themselves as private individuals, it is imperative that members who post on public social media understand that it is at their peril that they do so in a way in which they identify themselves as employees of a company.   Please stress to the members that they should never engage in social media posting while wearing a company uniform, while they are working on company time, while using a company owned device, or where they arguably associate their employer with their personal opinions on political or other sensitive matters.  

We have had members disciplined and discharged for offensive postings while wearing identifiable company uniforms.   Generally speaking, discipline for such actions will be sustained by both arbitrators and the NLRB.   It is therefore best if the members exercise discretion in their public social media activities and take all steps possible to make sure that their employers are not associated with anything they post.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding these issues.

Fraternally,

James K. Bender I I

IUEC Assistant General President