What recourse do I have if my employer disciplines me for not participating in political events after work?
I am an appointee for local government (a low-level appointee - I'm by no means "high up" in the chain) and I do not attend any campaign functions, parades, galas, or fundraisers outside of work. However, I've been told verbally and in emails - sternly- that as an appointee, it is "expected" of me to participate in these functions, "no exceptions." I regularly receive calls to my personal cell and emails to my private email account about these events, and I never respond. If I am at any point fired or disciplined for not participating in these events, do I have grounds for a lawsuit?
I love my job and my direct boss loves me - I know that when it comes to my job performance, there is absolutely no grounds for discipline or termination. However, I believe that there are certain individuals (who are heavily involved in political activities) who have singled me out as a "deadbeat" when it comes to participating in these events. I also know that the director of my department is keeping track of who is and isn't attending these events. My co-workers attend these events without complaining because they feel that it is expected of them, but I don't think it's ethical for my employer to browbeat me into volunteering my time outside of work.
I feel somewhat harassed, but I am not sure if I have grounds for complaint at this point - I just want to know what my legal rights are if I am disciplined?
I am an appointee for local government (a low-level appointee - I'm by no means "high up" in the chain) and I do not attend any campaign functions, parades, galas, or fundraisers outside of work. However, I've been told verbally and in emails - sternly- that as an appointee, it is "expected" of me to participate in these functions, "no exceptions." I regularly receive calls to my personal cell and emails to my private email account about these events, and I never respond. If I am at any point fired or disciplined for not participating in these events, do I have grounds for a lawsuit?
I love my job and my direct boss loves me - I know that when it comes to my job performance, there is absolutely no grounds for discipline or termination. However, I believe that there are certain individuals (who are heavily involved in political activities) who have singled me out as a "deadbeat" when it comes to participating in these events. I also know that the director of my department is keeping track of who is and isn't attending these events. My co-workers attend these events without complaining because they feel that it is expected of them, but I don't think it's ethical for my employer to browbeat me into volunteering my time outside of work.
I feel somewhat harassed, but I am not sure if I have grounds for complaint at this point - I just want to know what my legal rights are if I am disciplined?