by Nomad
A Florida case poses the question: What happens when the First Amendment rights of an employee comes into conflict with the corporate free speech guaranteed by the Citizens United decision?
Is it legal for an employer to fire workers who campaign against their corporate-supported candidate?
Raw Story has a story about a Democratic
candidate running for Osceola County Commission who was fired for attempting to
unseat the candidate her company supports. Viviana Janer's employer, Marriott Vacations Worldwide reportedly gave her the choice of either quitting her
campaign or losing her job of 11 years.
Janer told reporters:
“After a decade of accolades and promotions, I was told my job would be abruptly terminated if I did not drop out of the race. Despite my wish to continue working, I felt I could not turn my back on the many citizens of Osceola County who worked so hard to get me elected. I refused to drop out of the race, and on Friday I was fired from a job I loved.”
According to the termination
letter from Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Julie Meyer, Janer
was fired because she had not received permission to run for office.
However,
as Janer pointed out, company policy actually encourages political involvement in general.
Here's how the employee guidelines read:
Marriott Vacations Worldwide encourages your personal participation in elections and government processes. However, you must conduct your personal political activities on your own time and without use of the company’s resources (e.g., stationery, copying machines, or office supplies).
