If workers are continually provoked and goaded by managers, they may at some point respond emotionally.  Some may cry. Some may swear. Where is the line between an excusable outburst and misconduct that is serious enough to justify termination?

This issue was recently addressed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a case involving a car salesperson, Nick Aguirre, who was fired after an outburst directed at his boss, Tony Plaza, the owner of Plaza Car Center of Yuma, Arizona.  In a split decision, the Board found that Plaza had violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and ordered Plaza to reinstate Aguirre with back pay.  Section 8 of the act protects employees who are acting to improve their working conditions. [Read more…]