NLRB finds Microsoft’s firing of protest organizers did not breach labor law

In May 2024 a group of Microsoft staff circulated a petition asking the firm to cancel Azure agreements with Israel. Months later two workers organized an on-site protest that included a walkout, an outdoor vigil, a guest speaker and a charity fundraiser. Corporate security repeatedly told the organizers that the campus was not a permissible venue, yet the protest continued.

Microsoft terminated the two lead organizers for violating workplace rules. After reviewing the case, the NLRB’s Division of Advice determined the demonstration did not focus on improving terms or conditions of employment, and the speculative impact on company finances was too remote to qualify for NLRA protection. Consequently, the board found the dismissals did not violate federal labor law.