Twitter is facing accusations of violating labor laws again, this time during a recent round of mass layoffs. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against the social media giant, alleging that it illegally retaliated against workers who were engaged in protected union activities.
About The Complaint
According to the complaint, Twitter laid off more than 300 employees in October 2020, including many who were actively involved in union organizing efforts. The NLRB alleges that the layoffs were designed to punish these workers for their involvement in the union and to discourage others from joining.
“Twitter has a long history of engaging in illegal union-busting activities, and these layoffs are just the latest example,” said Sarah Johnson, a labor law expert. “The NLRB’s complaint makes clear that Twitter crossed the line and violated workers’ rights.”
The NLRB’s complaint also accuses Twitter of failing to properly notify employees of their rights under federal labor law. According to the complaint, Twitter failed to provide workers with the required notice of their right to form and join a union, as well as their right to engage in protected union activities.
“Twitter’s failure to properly inform workers of their rights is a serious violation of federal labor law,” said Johnson. “It’s clear that Twitter was trying to silence workers and prevent them from organizing for better working conditions.”
Moreover NLRB’s complaint is the latest in a series of legal challenges facing Twitter over its treatment of workers. Last year, the company was accused of violating California labor laws by misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
In response to the NLRB’s complaint, Twitter further issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. “We believe that our actions were lawful and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” the statement read. “We will vigorously defend ourselves against these allegations.”
