Seagate apologises for employee’s Facebook rant

A Seagate Technology worker may have landed himself in hot water after posting “derogatory” comments on Facebook.

Last Friday, Carlos Pestano III, identified as a process engineer at Seagate, posted comments calling some Singaporeans “rotten locals” on his personal Facebook page, adding locals working are “bitter” because they have to report to foreign bosses despite working in their own country.

My Paper said he also posted: “You can improve over time and maybe start with your manners.”

It is understood by the paper that Pestano is from the Philippines, and has been working in Singapore for four years.

Human Resources  was unable to reach Seagate for comment, but the company has released a statement on its Facebook page to apologise for Pestano’s remarks.

“It has come to Seagate's attention that one of our employees has posted an update on his personal Facebook page that is derogatory,” it said. “We deeply apologise for this and would like to make it clear that he was speaking in his individual capacity and the post does not reflect Seagate's policy of inclusion and respect for communities in every country we are present in.”

The apology added they are taking the matter seriously, “even though it was posted on an employee's personal page.”

“We are looking into this matter immediately and will take the necessary disciplinary measures where needed.”

This is the second time an employee in Singapore has caused online uproar in as many months. In October, Amy Cheong, an employee of the National Trades Union Congress was dismissed after she posted derogatory comments which insulted Malay weddings on her personal Facebook page.

Damien Cummings, regional marketing director for digital and social media at Samsung Asia, said it is important companies put in place clear policies to guide employees’ online activities.

“Issues like the Amy Cheong incident could happen to one of your employees or to your brand. The consequences of getting it wrong can be damaging and long lasting if you get it wrong,” he said.