Re:New evidence that British workplaces are losing viewpoint...
by msg3 on Thursday April 29, 2021 @04:51AM
(#26978807)
Yes, and I think that's a good thing. But I don't see think that's incompatible with my view here - that freedom of speech doesn't mean I have the right to say anything and expect to keep my job.
If I was to say something offensive, I should be accorded due process, but the result of that process may be that I'm let go.
Re:New evidence that British workplaces are losing viewpoint...
by ForHackernews on Thursday April 29, 2021 @06:01AM
(#26979238)
Sure, I probably largely agree with that. But there's a difference between what you're describing and what often happens in the real world where a twitter mob calls for you to be fired and your company immediately shitcans you to placate the yobs.
e.g. https://arstechnica.com/staff/2013/03/donglegate-is-classic-...
Re:New evidence that British workplaces are losing viewpoint...
by msg3 on Thursday April 29, 2021 @06:53AM
(#26979553)
I'd agree that a twitter mob getting someone fired is in most cases a bad thing and I can think of a bunch of reasons why it's a bad thing. But "infringing on the employees right to free speech" isn't one of them.
This might seem a bit pedantic, but I do think it's important. If something is a violation of someone's rights then there doesn't need to be any further discussion - it shouldn't be allowed. I think claiming that this is a free speech issue is not only wrong, but also shuts down much needed discussion about where we set the limits of our tolerance.
Re:New evidence that British workplaces are losing viewpoint...
by ForHackernews on Thursday April 29, 2021 @07:03AM
(#26979608)
I think we largely agree, and where we disagree is quibbling over semantics.
I don't consider myself a "speech absolutist", so I wouldn't agree that assigning, say, twitter mobbing to the category of "free speech issues" shuts down further discussion.
In non-America places (or in the few remaining unionised workplaces in America) you typically have some right to due process, and you can't just be terminated on a whim because you said something the boss didn't like.