Organizing Activity

Can I do Union organizing while I'm at work ?

You have a legal right to engage in Union activity on the job on the same basis as any other non-work activity. You have a right to do Union organizing before and after work hours, and on break time, away from work areas.

What about distributing Union literature at work ?

The same principle applies: the rules have to be the same for Union materials as for any other non-work related literature. If you're allowed to pass out information about a church picnic or sell candy for your kid's fund raiser, then you have the right to distribute Union literature. If your employer bars all "distribution on company property," then that applies to Union literature, the same as other materials.

What about the company bulletin boards?

The simple rule is, once again, that Union materials and activity shouldn't be treated differently from other non-work related materials and activity. If you can post non-work related notices on the bulletin board, you have the legal right to post Union materials.

What should I do if I'm hassled for Union activity ?

Be confident about your rights. Politely inform your boss that you know your rights, and that what you're doing is legally protected. If the supervisor doesn't back down, go along with what he or she demands, and contact the ILWU or IBU as soon as possible. 

Keep a careful record of exactly what happens: when and where it takes place, what the supervisor says or does, and what your response is. Federal Law protects your rights. But even though the law gives us some protection, never forget: Our best defense is UNITY. When we're strong and united, we can protect ourselves.

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