Nearly all employees now have a smart phone and one or more social media accounts which they use to communicate in some way.  A single social media post can reach a mass audience in a matter of seconds and leave a potentially permanent, publicly viewable online record.  This can become problematic where employees' online commentary touches upon the workplace in ways that harm the employer's business, or violate the law. This session will explore the entrenchment of social media in our society and the implications this can have on the workplace, including when an employee’s social media activity may constitute just cause for discipline in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. This session will also review the importance of a workplace social media policy in deterring inappropriate conduct and supporting discipline, as well as  explore the important components that should be included in the policy.

Amy Gibson - MLT Aikins

Amy Gibson carries on a general labour and employment practice. She advises employers on a variety of labour issues, including union certification drives, collective agreement interpretation, labour disputes, workplace policies, discipline and discharge, employment contracts, OH&S, workers’ compensation, labour standards and human rights. She has experience with a variety of court and administrative proceedings as well as representing clients before the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board and in Canada Labour Code unjust dismissal adjudications.