Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s chief of staff issued the warning as department employees have spoken to the news media about harms they see resulting from the dismantling of their agency, which enforces laws guaranteeing workers’ rights.
I get that sharing confidential info is not allowed, but a blanket “any unauthorized communication with the media” restriction sounds to me like a first amendment issue.
But also, ethically, employees should always report confidential info if it is a crime or otherwise threatens someone’s livelihood. And I’m not sure what data the Dept of Labor would have that should not be reported publicly to tax payers (besides PII).
I get that sharing confidential info is not allowed, but a blanket “any unauthorized communication with the media” restriction sounds to me like a first amendment issue.
But also, ethically, employees should always report confidential info if it is a crime or otherwise threatens someone’s livelihood. And I’m not sure what data the Dept of Labor would have that should not be reported publicly to tax payers (besides PII).