You may have friends who goof around on Facebook while they're at work, but are those buddies government employees?

This morning the Herald reports that a bunch of Boston city workers are spending a lot of time on Facebook while on the taxpayer's dime. And their bosses are defending them

The Herald calls Amy Derjue, the communications director for Boston City Council President Michael Ross, "the poster girl for cyber-slacking." Derjue makes $39,000 a year and the paper says she updates her Facebook page during work hours posting about things like sleeping during hearings and choosing Halloween costumes. Her boss told the Herald he doesn't have a problem with this because she's helping him reach out to his constituents

Also singled out is David Isberg who makes $71,000 as an administrative assistant for councillor John Tobin. Isberg apparently spends a lot of time playing the Facebook game "Mafia Wars" while on the clock. His boss joked about it, telling the Herald Isberg hasn't come close to cracking a top ten score in the game

A spokesperson for Mayor Menino told The Herald city computers should be used for work purposes only

I contacted both Derjue and Isberg through Facebook email. Amy declined comment.

Are these employees really helping their bosses by social networking?