Legal Blog
Monitoring Employee Email for Unionization Activity
We’re all noticing that increased unionization is the national trend. With new Democratic-appointed National Labor Relations Board members, the Board is no longer all Republican, and employers are closely watching the effects of this political shift in favor of unionization rights.
On September 30, a panel of two Republican members and one Democratic member decided that T-Mobile US, Inc. broke the National Labor Relations Act by disciplining a customer service worker for sending a union-related email following a court battle appealing its initial decision. This reversed a 2020 decision by an all-Republican panel that T-Mobile had the right to discipline the worker for using its email for non-business-related purposes.
The Board found that T-Mobile had broken labor law by “selectively and disparately” using company policies to silence the pro-union worker. However, this finding was specific to the facts of this case. Other employees had been permitted to use T-Mobile’s email for non-business purposes without being disciplined. Other employees sent mass emails about non-work issues such as hockey tickets, bowling parties, and “Nacho Day” in the cafeteria—but weren’t punished, said the decision. T-Mobile appeared to be targeting the worker who was promoting unionization.
Employers may still restrict workers’ email use for non-work issues, including union organizing, as long as they don’t target union communications specifically. So, if employers want to prevent unionization emails on their servers, they need to monitor the servers for other uses and shut them down, too.
ABOUT KATHERINE WITHERSPOON FRY
For over 25 years, Katherine has provided her clients with robust representation in matters of employment and related business law. Katherine represents and counsels employers and executives in all facets of the employment relationship, including hiring, termination, discrimination, non-competition, Fair Labor Standards Act matters, issues regarding Family and Medical Leave and other leaves, whistleblowers’ complaints, and regulatory matters. As a litigator, she is well aware of the nuances of law necessary to draft effective restrictive covenants, severance agreements, and employment contracts. Along with her over 250 colleagues, she represents companies and non-profit organizations of all sizes. She has defended companies under investigation by both U.S. and state Departments of Labor and handled multiple matters before the EEOC.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman, one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States, serves dynamic businesses, individuals and families. With 18 offices and more than 250 lawyers who counsel clients across more than 30 areas of practice, Offit Kurman helps maximize and protect business value and personal wealth by providing innovative and entrepreneurial counsel that focuses on clients’ business objectives, interests and goals. The firm is distinguished by the quality, breadth and global reach of its legal services and a unique operational structure that encourages a culture of collaboration. For more information, visit www.offitkurman.com.
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