That is SO last week

Last week, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals issued its summary decision in Triple Play Sports Bar and Grille.  Affirming the National Labor Relations Board, the Court held that an employee’s Facebook comments about working conditions, despite vulgar language directed at the owners, was protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act.  The Court also concluded that another employee’s likes of the post were protected. This decision underscores the importance of social media in employee relations and is a reminder that employers who wish to discipline employees because of social media activity should proceed with caution. 

Discrimination

• Using Labor Department reports, The Wall Street Journal reported on the widening gender wage gap.
• The EEOC won a jury verdict of $240,000 for Muslim truck drivers who refused to transport alcohol.  The truckers alleged that the company refused to accommodate their religious beliefs.
• The EEOC’s Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment held a public meeting in Los Angeles and discussed various harassment prevention techniques.

Technology

• Sony has apparently settled all claims with employees arising from its infamous hack.
• Mike Haberman urged companies to go mobile or go home.
• The Wall Street Journal covered emerging human resources technology that gives workers a voice.
• Recruiters report that technology and social media are essential to finding good candidates.
• Debate raged about whether FitBits can be hacked and spread malware.
• Human Resources Online predicted the 10 disruptive HR technology trends for 2016 while Recruiting Daily counted down the top 15 HR technologies and recruiting tools.

In other developments:

• Robin Shea discussed defamation in the context of a recent case filed against Bill Cosby.
• Fast Company reported that a minimum wage worker must work 93 hours a week to earn a decent living.
• The Huffington Post discussed the at-will employment relationship and how managers can destroy the relationship with one casual remark. 
• Jeff Nowak wrote about the USC Football Coach’s alcoholism and FMLA leave.