Tech Writer Lawsuit

[Stephen Arrants]

Just another point of information (or more fuel for the fire), the STC has decided/ordered "No Comment" from officers regarding this case. This email went out earlier this week. While I mostly agree that commenting publically isn't smart, I'm a little surprised that the STC isn't taking a position on the exempt/non-exempt issue.


"RE:        STC's Policy to Decline Public Comment on Pending Lawsuits


STC has been contacted about a pending lawsuit between current and former technical writers and Sun Microsystems. This case revolves around the issue of whether or not technical writers are exempt or nonexempt employees.

Regardless of the merits of the case on either side, STC's attorney advises against commenting on matters pending litigation. This includes declining to provide names of members to comment on pending litigation.

Therefore, if you are contacted to comment or asked to give names of individuals for interviews, please cite the policy, decline to comment and do not provide names for interviews. Also, please communicate the policy to anyone who has a position of responsibility within your chapter (i.e., member of the administrative council, PR, Employment Manager and so forth) to avoid any individual with an official STC title commenting on the case.

Thank you very much.


-- 
Steve Arrants   steve at mbfbioscience.com
Writer
MBF Bioscience  (Microbrightfield, Inc.)
+1.802.288.9290 ext: 124
www.mbfbioscience.com