The right to freedom of expression is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and is even enshrined in legal documents such as the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic. However, in the labour context, this freedom of expression is subject to certain limitations and specific nuances. In an opinion article for RH Magazine, Camila Marques de Queiroz, Associate at CCA Law Firm’s Labour department, clarifies these limits in the workplace.
“We've become used to hearing that the limit to humour is that a joke is actually funny, so can we say that the limit to employees’ freedom of expression is respect for employers‘ sense of humour?” the lawyer points out.