CAN I USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR MY UNION DURING NEGOTIATIONS?


S 24 ETFO VOICE | FALL 2019


ocial media has become a ubiq- uitous and incredibly power- ful tool. At its best, social media provides an online forum where collective action can generate


positive social and political change. ETFO members have embraced social media plat- forms to discuss education and political is- sues directly with members of the public, the media and elected representatives. Members are also using social media to engage in “on- line activism” in support of their union dur- ing collective bargaining rounds. Union members’


freedom to express


opinions about bargaining-related issues is a fundamentally important right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that right extends to posts made online and on social media. However, that does not mean “anything goes” when using Facebook, Twitter or other social networks. There are limits to what can be expressed in any forum, including online. To avoid sanctions by your employer,


members should ensure that all posts are written in a manner that is serious, issue- based and professional. Members should be aware that their employer:


• has the right to restrict employees’ person- al use of social media during work hours;


• can legitimately restrict employees from using its infrastructure, equipment and technology to create and distribute infor- mation about bargaining, even outside working hours; and


• can take disciplinary action against an employee for online comments about the employer that are false or malicious.


When posting political and bargaining content on social media, keep this advice in mind:


• Know there is no “private” on social media: Consider all your social media posts (including posts you have protected through privacy settings) to be public and assume they’ll be read by your employer.


• Stick to the topic: Your online comments should focus on ideas and issues. Avoid posting content that denigrates or insults individuals.


• Be professional at all times: Where your right to freedom of expression overlaps with your job, it’s best to ensure your posts are professional, temperate and thoughtful, not heated, hostile and im- pulsive.


• Slow down: Pause and reflect before ex- pressing your views on social media sites.


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