My employer wants to discipline me for forwarding inappropriate e-mails, or for viewing unacceptable material on the Web. What should I do?

Speak to your union rep as soon as possible if you have one. Also check what is in your company's electric communications policy, and any other relevant policies (e.g. anti-discrimination policies). If your company doesn’t have one, or if your offence isn’t mentioned in it, you have a good case for claiming that you did not know that you were acting wrongly. If the policy mentions 'unacceptable', 'inappropriate', or 'offensive' material, but doesn't define more closely what that constitutes, you may also have a case that you were unaware of any wrong-doing.

Claiming that you were not aware of the policy will not be a defence if your company has advised you of its existence, or published it in an openly available staff handbook. You may have to attend a disciplinary hearing. Contact your workplace union rep if you have one, as they can accompany you in a hearing, and help you to put your case. See our section on discipline for more information. Of course, if you were using the Web in a way which breaks the law, for example fraud, or inciting racial hatred, then no excuse is likely to help you, and you may also face criminal proceedings as you would if you had done this from any other connection.