Google LLC reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board in relation to allegations that the company discouraged employees from discussing workplace and political issues, The Wall Street Journal reported Sept. 12.
Under the settlement, the NLRB ordered the Alphabet Inc. unit to let employees speak to the media on issues such as workplace diversity and compensation without seeking permission from their supervisors. A director at the NLRB approved the settlement this week, and it is expected to become effective after an appeals period.
Google agreed to "remind" staffers about their rights, a company spokeswoman said in a statement.
The settlement covers complaints from former Google employees, including Kevin Cernekee, who said he was fired for expressing right-leaning political views to colleagues on the company's freewheeling internal message boards.
