Ask a Lawyer' About Rights at Work

Americans are sometimes so sure and so proud of their rights and freedoms that they take them for granted -- assuming, for instance, that free speech protections apply everywhere, including at work. Wrong.

Truth is, the First Amendment often doesn't apply on the job and exercising what you think are your rights could get you fired. That's why Working America, the AFL-CIO's community affiliate, has started an online Q&A called Ask a Lawyer. Simply write in with a question and check back for a response.

Questions so far include concerns about work hours and breaks and whether an employer can control a worker's after-hours activities, such as dating a coworker or blogging. Check it out at www.workingamerica.org/askalawyer/.