Know Your Rights About Union Activities

Question: Is it all right to talk about union activities while I'm at work?

Answer: Yes. You can talk about union activities at work to the same extent that you can talk about other topics- such as movies, the weather, or sports. Discussions of union activities cannot be disruptive of the work environment. Your supervisors cannot restrict discussion of union activities more than they restrict other kinds of conversation.

Question: Can I pass out CUE literature at work?

Answer: Yes. Again the guideline is that you may distribute union literature in the same manner and to the same extent that you are allowed to distribute other kinds of literature. Your activities should not disrupt the work environment, but your supervisors may not restrict your activities more than they restrict distribution of fliers about social activities or the sale of Girl Scout cookies, for example, unless your behavior is more disruptive. You may follow whatever the common practice is in your work unit, whether it is distribution to mailboxes or placing fliers on desks.

Question: If I attend a CUE meeting, will I be pressured to sign up for a committee of some sort?

Answer: No, of course not, but you may be surprised to find that there are activities and actions that spark your interest. Everyone's efforts are appreciated, and there are plenty of jobs to be done, large and small.

Question: Am I allowed to wear a CUE t-shirt on the job?

Answer: Unless you work someplace that has a dress code that forbids T-shirts with words on them, or prevents buttons of any kind, you cannot be prevented from wearing CUE T-shirts and buttons at work.

Question: If CUE goes on strike will I be required to do that, too?

Answer: No. A strike drives home to the Lab/University the seriousness of our purpose. Every person who participates in a strike is important to the unity of the union. However, each person will make up her or his own mind.

Question: How will CUE decide whether or not to go on strike?

Answer: All members, but only members, will take a vote to authorize a strike.

Question: What are my rights if CUE goes on strike?

Answer: If CUE members authorize a strike it will be a strike about UC's Unfair Labor Practices, and a ULP strike is protected activity under California labor law, which means that if you join the strike you have certain protections under the law:

• You cannot be discriminated against, intimidated, or harassed by UC or your supervisor because of you participation in a strike.
• UC cannot legally discipline, discharge, or permanently replace you because of union membership or activities.
• Your supervisors cannot ask you how you feel about unions or strikes or if you plan to honor the picket line.
• After you return to work, you should not suffer any reprisal for your participation in the strike.
• You might be docked for the time you are on strike and away from work.
• Retaliation for union activities is illegal.

Question: Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Answer: You can call (510) 841-1332 or email lblcue@earthlink.net.