In Bins , Exxon was held to have an affirmative duty to disclose proposed benefits changes to severance plan participants who Exxon knew, or had reason to know, were considering retirement. In Wayne , Pacific Bell was required to disclose its proposed benefits changes, at the latest, when it offered an enhanced early retirement program during collective bargaining with the Communications Workers of America. Return to Top e-venting A new forum is becoming increasingly attractive for employees seeking to extend gossip beyond the walls of the workplace. In addition to being a source for useful information, the Internet has become an avenue for disgruntled employees to spread tales of evil bosses and boorish co-workers. Various web sites and electronic bulletin boards exist for employees to air their grievances about their work and their bosses.
Employers respond to employees' use of such gossip sites in a variety of ways.
Some bring down the proverbial hammer, blocking access to the sites and firing employees who contribute to them. Others instead try to solve the problem at its source. Realizing that employees use such sites to vent frustrations, employers have placed greater emphasis on internal employee grievance procedures to keep such complaints within the workplace. Additionally, some employers monitor these sites to see what can be done to reduce workplace stress and improve morale. The court held, however, that the federal agency cannot litigate matters intended for the alternate forum.