The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is seeking the reinstatement and back pay for former Washington Post reporter Felicia Sonmez, who was fired in 2022 for insubordination after publicly criticizing colleagues and the paper on social media. The Washington-Baltimore News Guild filed an unfair labor practice charge, arguing her rights were violated. The Post argues her return would cause 'unmanageable and unacceptable disruption' due to her 'seven-day tirade.'
Federal labor board demands Washington Post rehire reporter fired over social media attacks
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is seeking the reinstatement and back pay for former Washington Post reporter Felicia Sonmez, who was fired in 2022 for insubordination after publicly criticizing colleagues and the paper on social media. The Washington-Baltimore News Guild filed an unfair labor practice charge, arguing her rights were violated. The Post argues her return would cause 'unmanageable and unacceptable disruption' due to her 'seven-day tirade.'
Trending- 1 June 2022: Felicia Sonmez criticized Dave Weigel and The Washington Post on social media.
- 2 June 2022 (later): Dave Weigel suspended for one month. Sonmez's 'tweetstorms' continued.
- 3 June 2022 (later): Sonmez terminated for insubordination.
- 4 After termination: Washington-Baltimore News Guild filed an unfair labor practice charge.
- 5 Recently (Friday): NLRB, Guild, and Washington Post filed briefs.
- 6 Current: NLRB seeks reinstatement and back pay; decision is up to a judge.
- Potential reinstatement and back pay for Sonmez
- Legal precedent regarding social media policies and labor rights in journalism
- Continued dispute between the Post and the Guild
What: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is demanding that The Washington Post rehire former reporter Felicia Sonmez and provide her with back pay, following her 2022 termination for insubordination related to social media attacks on colleagues and the newspaper.
When: Sonmez was fired in 2022. The saga began in June 2022. Briefs were filed on Friday (prior to June 10, 2025).
Where: Washington D.C. (implied by Washington Post and Washington-Baltimore News Guild), United States.
Why: The NLRB prosecutors argue The Washington Post fired Sonmez because they 'got sick of Sonmez’s Twitter activity criticizing the Post’s and its policies,' bypassing progressive discipline. The Washington-Baltimore News Guild believes her rights under the National Labor Relations Act were violated. The Post argues she lacked 'journalistic integrity' and caused 'unmanageable and unacceptable disruption.'
How: The NLRB is seeking reinstatement and back pay. The Washington-Baltimore News Guild filed an unfair labor practice charge. The Post, NLRB, and Guild filed briefs. The decision is now up to a judge.