Workers not always free to speak out on job

[Mark Holtz]

From Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/special_reports/iraq/bee/story/6464477p-7416211c.html):

Workers not always free to speak out on job

As in other stressful times, many people who speak out about the war with Iraq are paying for it -- literally. And, although political dissent is as American as apple pie, the line that separates legally protected expression from risky job behavior is full of curves and angles.

For both workers and bosses, the expert advice can be surprising.

Full article here (http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/special_reports/iraq/bee/story/6464477p-7416211c.html)

[gcutler]

I feel that a worker should avoid discussing politics or religion in the workplace. My last job it was 6 months before anyone had an inkling of my politics or my religious beliefs, and that was because we had an off site 3 day meeting and the after hours discussion got more personal.

As for posting articles outside the door, only if they are industry or company related. It may be kind of strict, but I know some of my co-workers are on the opposite side of many political/religious issues, why even bring it up...

[RichW]

Most companies now have policies that require someone, usually in the HR department, to approve articles, cartoons, etc placed on bulletin boards. Our hospital is no exception. You can, however, post most things (assuming they are in "good taste") in you ownoffice without approvals. A previous employer, whose engineers and scientists worked in cubicles with 5ft high partitions had a policy that nothing could be postes above the partition level.

Most of you are probably tired of my "Masonic cheerleading", but our fraternity has had a long-standing ban on the discussion of politics or religion in the lodge as such partisan issues detract from the harmony of the lodge. The ban works well and keeps us focused on our philanthropy.

[gcutler]

Although as I remember I was preaching the advantages of DBS and PVRs before anyone else in my office. But I bet you guys would forgive me for that transgression :D I had converted half my department before getting axed :p

[Bogy]

I break that rule about talking about Religion in my workplace on almost a daily basis. :D :angel:

[gcutler]

Originally posted by Bogy
I break that rule about talking about Religion in my workplace on almost a daily basis. :D :angel:

But if you converted to Hindu, I bet it would become an issue :p

[Bogy]

Originally posted by gcutler
But if you converted to Hindu, I bet it would become an issue :p
If I converted to Hindu, I would qualify for my job like a man at Hooters. :D

[markh]

Originally posted by gcutler
Although as I remember I was preaching the advantages of DBS and PVRs before anyone else in my office. But I bet you guys would forgive me for that transgression :D I had converted half my department before getting axed :p

You didn't work for a cable company, did you?:D ;)

[gcutler]

Sorry, Medical Supply :D But I did spend a a few weeks doing consulting at a Cable Company (I knew to keep my mouth shut) :D