Labor board: Home Depot violated labor law by firing an employee who drew ‘BLM’ on work apron – The Atlanta Journal Constitution

It is well-established that workers have the right to join together to improve their working conditions including by protesting racial discrimination in the workplace, said Chairman Lauren McFerran in a statement. It is equally clear that an employee who acts individually to support a group protest regarding a workplace issue remains protected under the law.

In an email statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Home Depot, based in Atlanta, said it disagreed with NLRB's decision.

The Home Depot is fully committed to diversity and respect for all people, the company said. We do not tolerate any kind of workplace harassment or discrimination.

The right to wear clothing with BLM insignia or other social justice apparel in the workplace became a big issue in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May 2020.

That same year, American Airlines announced that it would let employees wear Black Lives Matter pins on their uniforms, calling it a matter of equality and not politics. The company joined Starbucks, Delta Air Lines and other major companies that let employees wear items supporting the movement that protests police violence against Black people.

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Labor board: Home Depot violated labor law by firing an employee who drew 'BLM' on work apron - The Atlanta Journal Constitution