Comments about ‘Even if it enrages your boss, social net speech is protected’

"The National Labor Relations Board says workers have a right to discuss work conditions freely and without fear of retribution, whether the discussion takes place at the office or on Facebook."

If employers are aware of this "discussion" it means that not only do they have access to what's being said but so do their customers, clients, potential clients and customers and many others including competitors who could leverage that information against the employer.

"'Many view social media as the new water cooler,"

It's not the new "water cooler" and it places businesses at serious risk and jeopardizes the long term interests of their employer. It's one thing to talk next to a water cooler and complain and another to post an online comment to more than one person and make those complaints available to people who aren't employed with the company and who might not be aware what a jerk you are as an employee. They might based on their relationship with you assume you are telling the truth and your employer is in the wrong when you are the kind of person who deserves to be fired (i.e., the gossiper or troublemaker).