Getting fired or let go from a job is never a pleasant experience, but what if you had to find out via social media?
According to Cleveland, Ohio's WKYC, that's how many workers soon to be laid off by United found out they'd be losing their jobs.
"This is something very new for all of us, and we're just kind of like, 'What happened?'"
United Airlines is closing its hub in Cleveland, which represented the smallest in the company's portfolio. Hundreds are expected to lose their jobs as early as this summer. (Via WJW-TV)
Now, to be clear, United didn't actually let go any of the around 450 employees via social media. So there weren't any pink slips tweeted or showing up on Facebook walls. (Via WEWS)
Rather, the company's CEO sent out a letter to employees, saying in part, "I wanted you to know this information before the press found out, but unfortunately they found out earlier than we planned." (Via United)
Presumably, that's how the bad news showed up on social media before employees could find out through more official channels.
There have been more egregious examples of impersonal firings in the past, though. As News.com.au reports, a New Zealand Pita Pit informed two employees they were fired via a private Facebook page.
And last summer a Florida restaurant owner reportedly let his entire staff go via a mass text message. (Via WFTV)
"I think it's immoral. I think it's cowardice."
Of course, these are all examples of getting fired on social media — but there's also getting fired for something you did on social media.
Lists of just such cannings abound on the Internet. (Via Mashable)
As AdWeek reports, one example is an MSNBC Twitter manager who got the axe last week for taking a shot at the GOP while tweeting about Cheerios.
And CNN has this now-former Taco Bell employee. Guess what he got fired for.
All this to say, jobs and social media don't always mix. Perhaps there's something to be said for face-to-face communication.
