http://www.sptimes.com/2003/05/27/Southpinellas/Bayfront_fires_sender.shtml In France for once freedom has been more protected: the employers cannot spy the employees emails without a punishment of about 35000$.
I agree this situation seems a little harsh. We've learned that when a public body like a school, government office or here a hospital, uses the words "zero tolerance" they are really saying "zero common sense." Companies are under a lot of pressure though, as they can be held liable if they tolerate conduct that some overly sensitive person can then complain about. Any employee using company email should just accept the fact that it is being monitored and is not private.
I find this incredible although I am accustomed of excess in US hee hee ! Above all in law that would create precedence and if people don't protest for a law against that (like one voted in France) things risk to get worse and worse. It is because french workers are verysensitive on that subject that the law was voted so people must react.