The National Labor Relations Board is expected to hear arguments in a case about whether employees can use an employer's e-mail system to discuss union matters with other employees.

Unfair labor practice charges were filed by the Eugene Newspaper Guild against The Guard Publishing Company, which publishes a daily newspaper in Eugene, Oregon. The guild asserts it has the right to use the employer's e-mail system to discuss union or other concerted, protected matters.

The publisher maintains a policy prohibiting the use of its e-mail system "to solicit or proselytize for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations, or other non-job-related solicitations."

The guild represents about 150 of the company's employees.

The NLRB is scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case on March 27.