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Organizing: Frequently Asked
Questions
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| Q: Is it legal
to organize? |
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A:
Yes! Under Section 7 of the National Labor
Relations Act of 1947 (NLRA), all workers have "the right to
self-organization, to form, to join, or assist labor organizations."
Furthermore, the same act states that employers are not allowed to
"interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of
the rights guaranteed in Section 7. |
| Q: How do I know
that my employer won't retaliate if I join CWA? |
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A:
First of all, your membership is known only to you
until you decide to tell other people. We share no lists outside the
organization. If you do choose to publicly declare your membership
or your involvement with CWA, you are protected under federal labor
law from any retaliation from your employer.
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| Q: What are the
basic guidelines of our rights to organize at work? |
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A:
Discussing CWA is one of your fundamental rights
under Section 8 of the NLRA. The Supreme Court has stated: "No
restrictions may be placed on the employees' right to discuss
self-organization among themselves, unless the employer can
demonstrate that such a restriction is necessary to maintain
production or discipline."
While it should not interfere with work performance, Organizing
activity cannot be treated differently than any other non-work
related activity. If you are permitted to talk to co-workers about
other activities (Girl Scout cookies, the Suns, etc, you can also
discuss CWA Organizing. A reasonable guideline might be to talk
about CWA during your breaks and free-time.
Although laws protecting our right to organize are quite clear, many
people still fear retaliation. If you have questions about this,
please do call us at 602-331-7019 x123. |
| Q: Can I discuss
how much I make with my co-workers? |
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A:
Discussing your compensation is one of the
fundamental rights under the National Labor Relations Act of 1947.
Labor courts have said, "It is essential for the full exercise of
those rights that employees be able to discuss wages. |
| Q: Can I
distribute CWA literature among my co-workers? |
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A:
This issue is similar to talking about CWA. The National Labor
Relations Board suggests distributing literature during breaks and
free-time and posting literature in non-work areas. For example,
posting a CWA flyer on a company bulletin board and giving brochures
to your co-workers during lunch are okay. |
Q: Can I discuss
CWA with my co-workers on company e-mail?
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A:
As a guideline, if it is okay to discuss other personal business
such as the Suns or weekend plans using company e-mail, then it is
okay to discuss CWA. If your company does have an e-mail policy in
place stating that e-mail is company property and only can be used
for company business, it cannot selectively enforce this policy when
labor issues are discussed. A company must uniformly enforce its
policies. |
