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Published byEzekiel Lawder Modified over 9 years ago
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EPLI LITIGATION: ONE DEGREE OF SEPARATION BETWEEN EMPLOYEES’ USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING AND EMPLOYERS’ EXPOSURES?
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Introductions MODERATOR: Mercedes Colwin, Esq., Managing Partner, Gordon & Rees LLP PANELISTS: Sarah Goldstein, Esq., Partner, Kaufman Dolowich Voluck & Gonzo, LLP Catherine Padalino, Vice President, EPL Product Manager, Chubb Specialty Insurance Lisa A. Turbis, Esq., Senior Corporate Counsel, Litigation & Marketing, Autodesk, Inc. John S. West, Esq., Partner, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
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Agenda Social Networking Claims Company Practices and Procedures Preventing or Mitigating Effect of Social Media The Reputational Risk for your Company
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Social Media Today
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The Social Media Revolution
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Social Media Today Weblogs Commercial Websites Industry Forums Industry Boards
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Improper Discovery of Personal Information Viewing of Employee Online Conduct and Company Liability Unlawful Invasion of Privacy Illegal Background Checks What Constitutes a Social Networking Claim?
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The Hiring Process
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What Can be Used in the Hiring Process Experience Future Goals Google Information Online Editorials
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What Cannot be Used in the Hiring Process Age Sex Religion Disability Race/Color National Origin Pregnancy
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Employers Rights vs. Lifestyle Statutes Political Activities Legal Use of Consumable Products Legal Recreational Activities Union Membership
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The National Labor Review Board (NLRB) The National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency vested with the power to safeguard employees' rights
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The Role of the NLRB Conduct Elections Investigate Charges Facilitate Settlements Decide Cases Enforce Orders
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The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) Creates a right for private-sector employees to engage in concerted activities for the purpose of mutual aid or protection
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The NLRA Section VII Defines what is a protected activity New report states certain policies regarding employees' use of the social media may violate Section VII
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Company Practices and Procedures
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Discriminatory Recruitment Consideration given only to applicants with: Online profiles Specific information on their profiles Social networking profiles Large number of friends/contacts
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NLRB Provides Guidance for Employers on Social Media Policies Social media policies should be narrowly tailored Should not prohibit “concerted activity” via social media Union and non-union employees alike are covered by the NLRA
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The Overly Broad Policy Overly broad social networking policies include prohibiting: the use of social media to post pictures employees “making disparaging comments” engaging “in inappropriate discussions about the company, management, and/or coworkers” employees from using the company’s name, address or other information
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How to Narrow Social Networking Policies Should be clear and understandable Policies should be narrowly drawn Put employees on notice of a social media policy’s coverage Limiting language
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Social Networking Policies Indentify acceptable and unacceptable uses of social media Minimize negative reactions Specify easy-to-understand guidelines and require employees to meet them
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What is Acceptable Policy? Personnel must post under their own name and write in the first person All individuals must not cite or reference clients, employees, members, or other affiliated persons or entities There is no expectation of privacy online
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Recent Social Networking Claims
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Fired Because of Facebook?
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The LB&B Associate Firings Routine background check leaves 18 Navy Contractors jobless Provided no details of investigation “No Determination Made” assessment Information could be outdated or wrong Employee unable to appeal
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The Accenture Class Action International management consulting firm Accused of firing qualified individuals with criminal records Criminal history has no bearing on position Discriminates against African Americans and Latinos
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Martin Gaskell v. University of Kentucky Passed over to be director of Student Observatory Perceived to be critical of evolution in contrast with the University
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The Preventing or Mitigating Effect of Social Networking Claims
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Third Party Vendor Searches Must Comply to the Fair Credit Reporting Act Protects Privacy Applicants Must Consent
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Have Policies in Place Fair Hiring and Recruitment Training Discrimination and Harassment Employee Rights Narrow Social Media Policies
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How can Social Media Affect my Company?
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Thank you for Calling Domino’s Pizza
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"Your Way Right Away!"
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Questions & Answers
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Many thanks to … Mercedes Colwin, Esq. Sarah Goldstein, Esq. Catherine Padalino Lisa A. Turbis, Esq. John West, Esq.
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