Can my boss say this legally?

I called my old boss who had switched locations with someone else, and told them that my new boss was "tossing her under the bus" with various topics that I knew to be untrue. My old boss then decided to call her boss( which is also my new boss's boss) and tell her that my new boss was doing this.

One week later I had a meeting with my new boss and her boss. The boss of the bosses told me that they couldn't believe that I did that, and that they don't want me talking to my old boss about work.

I then told her that that is an infringement on my constitutional rights. Her response was she thought it would just be better if I didn't. I let it slide.

A week later my old boss called me to let me know that her boss called her at home and asked if I had called her.

So sorry about all the "boss" stuff, and what do you think?

Should I make a big deal about it? Maybe seek legal guidance?
Additional Details
Well, I thought this was more of a free speach issue but I can see I was wrong.

I need to note now, that I belong to a Union. How does this effect my standing?

wizjp

You have confused the government with your employer. (Unless they are one and the same).

Unless you are working in the state of MT, your employment is at will. Your boss can fire you for a bad hair day unless you have a contract or a union protection.

TRANSLATION: IF YOUR BOSS TELLS YOU TO AVOID CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WORK WITH SOME ONE: DO IT OR JOBHUNT.

Legal guidance,,,,,,

facepalm........

The union might afford you some protection if your actions are something covered by a union contract; I kind of doubt that here. They may also protect you a bit if you get fired over this; but again, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Common

While they certainly cannot stop you from talking to your old boss and complaining, they CAN fire you for doing so. If you try to make a big deal out of it, you're going to be the one to lose the fight.

Agent Smith

There is no "free speech" at work.

Only on government property can you say what you want to say.

Unless you have a lot of headhunters after you with job offers, I would stick to the knitting.

Best regards and good luck.

homegirl

You are at great risk of losing your job. By drawing negative attention to yourself the higher ups will consider you a trouble maker. Best to mind your own business. Just do your job.

patrick

Sorry, but you have actually given them cause to put you on warning.
What you did is causing a disruption in the workplace. You have now caused your boss, and the big boss to have issues with the old boss which needs to be addressed. You have worsened the daily work environment. It doesnt matter if the new boss was saying false things, or that you were merely being truthful. The point is workplace credibility, and you have worsened that.

As long as they are paying you - you don't really have free speech at work. But you are free to quit and go somewhere else.

castaspella0183

As others have said you don't really have freedom of speech at work. Basically they are upset with you because in their eyes you were trying to start a rumor mill. Even if what you were saying was true. This is banned in most work places. Even though you might consider your old boss a friend don't talk to her at work. Also you might just want to mind your own business at work. If you must talk to your old boss at work make sure it's short and about work. If you want to talk to her, do it on your time using your own phone. What you do on your time is none of their business. You can seek legal advice and make a big deal if you want, but why? You don't really have any broken laws and if you get fired you probably won't get unemployment

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: