Can my employer (a local goverment) really tell me who i can talk to in my own time?

ksjennai

Sounds to me that i might have something to do with some kind of harassment. (The EEOC has specific Procedures for this--Including Confidentiality for both the accused and accuser)
second note of importance: it sounds like a Civil Service Job?
if it is , there is usually a contract you signed when you started work. check it to see if there is a confidentiality clause in your agreement, if there is one , then you are bound by contract to keep your mouth shut, even off hours.

As to off hours conduct(expect an exception for civil service workers)
NO employer can tell you what you can or cannot do or say on your own time(unless it is in your contract)

That being said, figure that if you do talk about it or see the people, EXPECT repercussions from your employer, if they find out

if you are a Union or "agency Shop" employee, consult your Union Rep about the threats the employer made(they should hold this conversation in confidence)

Additional: after reading your second additional note, your friends are not being disiplined fairly(or you cannot have all the facts.

Now i would suggest that someone(annomiously) let them know to contact the US Department of labor and the EEOC in regards to Unfair Labor Practices and descrimination

Samantha

They must have good reason for doing this - as they are a public sector employer they are usually extra careful about only taking steps like this when it is reasonable. Most organisations treat disciplinary proceedings as completely confidential - hence why they won't tell you why these people have been suspended. The individuals will know why they have been suspended (an employer must inform a suspended individual of the allegations against them) - but they are probably under strict instructions to keep the reasons confidential.

It may well be that any discussion between the suspended people and their colleagues might jeopardise the investigation. I think you need to respect your employer's request here and steer well clear. It may well be that if you knew all the details about why they have been suspended then you would understand why they have instructed you not to speak to them - but they obviously can't tell you all the information. Look at it this way - they may be trying to protect other people from being drawn into it as well.

gail

Yes, but its not a form of control something is going on that needs a full and thorough investigation. To conduct this fairly and to gather all the facts the company needs to be able to do this without office gossip, influence and discussions. your bosses legally are not allowed to discuss their reasons for suspending your work colleagues with you but if you had contact with the three outside of work you would have their opinions on why they had been suspended and this could cause gossip in the office or even lead to (worst case scenario) people in work getting rid of evidence, or being asked by the three suspended to be a witness for them which would put your own job at risk.
Its not nice i know but to be honest your employer has done you a favour stay out of it until its all blown over.

Cami W

To be on the safe side, I would stop, or at least limit, my contact with the suspended employees, especially if you don't have a clue concerning the on-going investigation. You don't want a cloud of suspicion over your head, and you definitely don't want to interfere with the investigation in any way. It's so important that you don't relay information back and forth, so that you're not caught-up in the middle.

What you do outside of work time is, for the most part, your personal business. However, since this is a government job of some sort, be mindful that things you do and/or say can impact your status of employment.

I know it's hard to keep your distance, granted these are personal friends, but until the facts are in, I would lay low. It's so hard not to relay information back and forth when you're dealing with family and friends. But I wouldn't act stand-off-ish without being clear. I would be up-front with them, and let them know that once this is over-said-and-done-with, you will contact them again.

sarreh7

they may have good reason, maybe they have been part of something illegal, best not risk it till it blows over

Mr R

Sounds like something criminal just went down.
And, others in the organization may be involved.
That's why they don't want them talking to anyone at work and telling them what's going on.
I would bet these 3 people are not the only ones involved.
I would be very careful in this area, and I would just let it be.
You have your job, they are probably going to lose theirs.
If there are legal implications involved as well as organizational, you could be playing with fire challenging them.
Do not jeopardize yourself or your job, because this is something much bigger than you think.

COLIN T

Yes they can. This edict is pretty standard practise when a disciplinary investigation is in place. Of course enforcing it is something else entirely.

Kevin K

No, they cannot.

Vix T

Yes. This may be a criminal investigation and you'd be best to keep out of it, for fear of being chaged too.

PHIL P

There is the new charge "misconduct in a public office", so yes, in your case they can.

Although were you in the private sector, things would be different.

Sliteofhand

If a court order is involved and you speak to any of the others you could be held in contempt of court and if you have ever seen a newsman who withholds a name to protect a source, you have seen that the punishment is discretionary and could amount to some serious time or money or both.
Beware!

tomas b

Ask why not use Freedom of Information act also mention it to press they might be interested in causing the council alot of discomfort

Steve

is that you carmen electra?

aj at the bank

Sadly this sounds like incredibly bad management communication.
It seems like they are being investigated for some kind of serious mis-doings....and you are all being warned away ...in case you are somehow dragged into or affect the investigation.

It would be sensible to ask (privately) why you may not communicate with them out of work....if you normally would.....but if you don't normal speak to them....probably better to keep your head down on this one anyway!

lawandacarrell

can the place iI got fired tell my friends still there it is in tHere best interest not to talk to me on there own time

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