Companies Can Support Protesting Workers, But Fire Them, Too

Businesses are taking steps to support their workers during protests against police brutality after the death of George Floyd, while also retaining the legal right to fire workers who participate if they disagree with their actions.

Companies like Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Netflix Inc., and Nike Inc. already have spoken out in support of the nationwide protests. Employers should check in with workers of color, remind workers of their access to benefits, disseminate thoughtful messages from key executives, and perhaps offer paid leave, even if not required to do so, according to academics and management attorneys. ...