DU Legal Beagles...HYPOTHETICAL question...

[ret5hd]

;-)

Let's say that an individual worked in a unionized non-governmental workplace. Let's say that this individual heard that bush* was going to visit said workplace. What are the ramifications of this individual displaying a protest sign at this visit (assuming he/she can get it past security)?

are a persons political free-speech rights restricted at the workplace in such a situation? This individual would hypothetically be willing to take some fall-out, as long as there was a good chance of ultimately keeping his job. Hypothetically...of course.

[lectrobyte]

1. IANAL. But my real-life experience has been

if the right person gets p'd enough, they will find a way to get rid of you. The union angle, though, changes things a bit, but these days, who can say. That said, I'd still want to try something subtle. Be careful posting here, one person lost their job after posting some details of some planned workplace public protest activity, and some freeperish type figured out who they were and contacted their management.

[ret5hd]

3. DYPOOTV?

hey, it's all HYPOTHETICAL. }(

[lectrobyte]

8. But what if there were no hypothetical situations? What then?

[ret5hd]

9. hypothetically speaking?

i...don't...know! wow, that's deep.

[Missy M]

2. With the bush administration, laws and rules do not apply......

bush's henchmen would probably try to have you forced out through a smear campaign. Keep the political views and protests outside the workplace, for your jobs sake and piece of mind.

[Stephanie]

14. But the political views are being imposed on the hypothetical person

in his own workplace - he is being subjected to political propaganda against his will, in his workplace - isn't there some protection against that?

[zbdent]

4. Be prepared for the "free speecher" to be keel-hauled by the Govt.

Unlike during the Clinton era, where Liberals tolerated freedom of speech, including outright lies and accusations of murder, while "Mr. Bush, you have a hair out of place!" is regarded as a capitol offense . . . punishable by death, if they had their way . . .

[unblock]

5. generally speaking, they can fire for that

(disclaimer: not a lawyer)

it depends on state law and there may be union protection as well.
however, generally, in most states, employment is 'at will', meaning you can quit at any time and they can fire you at any time for any reason or for no reason at all. the only generic restriction is they cannot violate federal law, which protects against dicrimination against race, creed, religion, national origin, and sex in hire/fire decisions. politics is not protected.

note that the employer may have a 'sound' business reason for controlling the political views expressed in the workplace, especially if government contracts are at stake.

only the union may offer some protection; check with the union rep.

[lonestarnot]

11. good but you left out whistleblower protection...

[lonestarnot]

6. Nothing says you have to participate and kiss ass! A stoic face is a

protest, a refused handshake is a protest, but a sign hmmmm watch 'em...

[lectrobyte]

7. That's what I was getting at when I said something subtle. Kind of like

the troops did the last time * used them for a speech backdrop, and finished 15 minutes early because he wasn't interrupted by applause.

[lonestarnot]

10. I'm not a lawyer, but don't think there is a law against stoisism LOL

Hey are you in a right to work state?

[lectrobyte]

12. The non-union south, yeah, you have the right to work.

[Stephanie]

15. We need a symbol of solidarity that can't be suppressed

Like a color we wear or something else that has meaning but that they can't control.

[Stephanie]

16. Maybe Mardi Gras beads.

[txaslftist]

13. I'm a lawyer. They can fire you for that. Union can't stop 'em,...

...but can make a hell of stink, possibly persuade them not to fire you. Hypothetically.

[ret5hd]

17. the hypothetical person IS in texas...

thanks for the reply