Re: Right to Free Speech

That may be, but the right to free speach has never been absolute, hence the proverbial "fire in a crowded thaeter" scenario. Do you really want to be an employee in an organization that allows supervisors to coerce, even in an implied manner, their employees in regard to political issues? The Hatch act is needed, and I for one am glad it is in place

Re: Right to Free Speech

Like we tell employees all the time - your right to free speech ends at the employer's door. The First Amendment applies to all people; however, free speech rights apply differently when you are work versus in public. The Act exists for a number of reasons. You can believe what you want, vote how you want, etc... just keep it to yourself while you are work. It is a simple concept. Do you think a person has a right to "preach" at work? What if you were constantly bombarded by someone trying to convert you to their religion during work hours? Would you say they have "free speech rights" to do that. No! What if someone wanted to use racial or gender based slurs and deemed it within their rights to "Free Speech", you would probably agree that they should not. Not only is it inappropriate but it is illegal. I cannot fathom why anyone would complain about not being able to use their "free speech rights" at work. Once you leave work do what you want then. Plain and simple.