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Hyatt has been trying to control what its workers say about the company online, even when workers are at home and off the clock. Now, thanks to a recent settlement between Hyatt and a state agency, Hyatt workers have won the right to speak out online.
There has been controversy lately about employers asking for information about personal Facebook accounts of job applicants, a scary practice that raises serious privacy and free speech concerns. Unfortunately, invasion of privacy has extended to some employers’ current workforce as well. Here’s Hyatt’s current Social Media Policy, which has appeared in its employee handbook (see handbook excerpt below):
Avoid commenting on Hyatt or any Hyatt location…Hyatt may request that you temporarily confine your use of social media to matters unrelated to Hyatt if it determines this is necessary or advisable to ensure compliance with applicable laws or Hyatt policies.
A regional labor board director has contended that Hyatt’s Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Policy is “overly broad” and “discriminatory.” Now, Hyatt must change its policy on social media in all employee handbooks across the country.
This is another step in making sure workers’ voices are heard. Nationwide this week, Hyatt workers are exercising their right to speak the truth about working conditions and their fight to make Hyatt a better place to work, both in the streets and online.
