Complaint Letter

Ms. Sheridan:

It has come to my attention that you are using company time and engaging with company employees on political matters.

Your passion about your community is in line with our policy of involvement. We do not wish to discourage you to engage in any political activity outside of the office environment, as long as you do not act as an agent of Northwest Accounting. If any co-workers join with you in such activity, this is also perfectly acceptable to the company and indeed a shining example of what we want to do at Northwest. We have heard that you attend meetings, distribute information, help register voters, send letters to Congressmen and speak to social clubs. These are all activities you do out of the office, and as long as you claim that you are not acting as an agent of Northwest, we have no interest nor ability to interfere with your activities.

However, our corporate policy specifically forbids political and religious activity that is uncomfortable or intimidating. This is part of a harassment policy that we take very seriously. Your behavior has not been harassing or intentionally intimidating, but you have used company breakroom, washroom and lounge spaces for private political messages, which gives the erroneous impression that Northwest agrees with those particular positions (a fact you are not in a position to determine) and is using public company spaces for your private agenda. This is in violation of policy. Moreover, many workers have come to speak to me about your actions and feel uncomfortable. You have the right to speak to others about your opinions in breakrooms and the cafeteria, but approaching other workers and engaging with them for private political activity is considered as within the bounds of the political harassment clause of your employment contract. I will request that you please speak only to those who have chosen to speak to you about such topics rather than proactively approaching people before this must become an official matter.

You have the right to express your political and civil opinions and affiliations in your own private area. However, I would like you to come speak with me about what posters you hang off of your desk. Statements of affiliation and belief are acceptable, but if they are potentially challenging, insulting or oriented at others' beliefs and opinions, I will indicate that they should be removed pursuant to our policy. You have the right to hang any posters and signs you wish within your cubicle space that is not facing other workers or customers.

Thank You In Advance for Your Cooperation,

[Name]