Informed Choice :: Questions & answers about union organizing at UVM.

Informed Choice home :: Questions by topic :: updated 08.01.05

	What rights do I have if union representatives visit me at home? Am I required to speak with them?
	You are free to speak with or refuse to speak with union representatives who visit you or call you at home. There is no law or policy that requires employees to speak with union representatives either at home or in the workplace, and you are free to respond accordingly. 08/01/05

	What labor union is approaching staff members at UVM?
	The United Professions of Vermont (UPV)/American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is actively engaged in union organizing efforts on campus.

	Are union organizers allowed to approach non-represented staff members during regular work hours?
	Union organizers, whether staff or outside individuals, must abide by rules intended to maintain order and safety in the workplace. Those rules allow organizers, whether UVM staff or outside persons, to approach staff only before and after working hours and during customary staff breaks, such as meal times.

	May union organizers speak with a staff member during regular work hours if the organizers first ask if she or he has a minute to talk?
	The answer is no,because, as stated above, union organizers may only speak with staff members before or after working hours and during customary break times. This rule is intended to avoid disruption of normal University business and operations. Application of the rules does not depend on whether a staff member is willing to speak with an organizer.

	Can union organizers speak with staff members on University property?
	They may do so on University property that is open to the general public. Organizers are not allowed to address staff members in restricted access areas, such as laboratory spaces.

	Are staff members required to speak with union organizers?
	There is no obligation to speak with union organizers. If you do not wish to speak to union representatives, you have the right to ask them not to approach you. This includes calls or visits outside of regular work hours, either in your office, or on campus or at home.

	Are UVM employees who are interested in organizing allowed to use University office supplies, photocopiers, etc. to promote or support the organizing effort?
	University office supplies and office machines, including photocopiers, are to be used for University business purposes only. Employees who wish to use the fee-for-service photocopiers located in the UVM Print & Mail Center or in the libraries may do so, as long as the employee pays the appropriate fees. Use of other means of University communications media and resources is covered by applicable UVM policies, such as the Computer and Network Use Policy.

	Are UVM staff members involved in organizing efforts provided with release timeto help enlist support?
	Employees are not provided release timeor permitted to use work time to engage in organizing activities. UVM staff who wish to participate in the organizing effort may do so on personal time, such as during scheduled breaks, lunch periods or before or after work hours.

	If I agree to sign a union card, what does it mean?
	You should read any card you are asked to sign carefully. As with any other document you are asked to sign, you should determine the nature of the promise you are making with your signature. In general, signature on a union card means that you support the unions call for an election, if and when the union petitions the Vermont Labor Relations Board to hold an election. Whether or not you sign the card distributed by the union, you will be entitled to vote yes or no for union representation, if you are determined by the Labor Board to be a member of the unit eligible to vote. If the union wins an election, depending on what the card says, your signature may also mean that you have agreed to join the union and pay dues. The terms under which you may be required to remain a union member and pay dues or a collective bargaining service fee will depend on factors such as the wording on the card you sign, the contract the union negotiates with the University, and/or the union constitution.

	Are employees allowed to wear buttons, t-shirts or other gear expressing support of a union in the workplace?
	The rules that apply to employee dress and symbolic communication as to union matters are the same rules as apply to communication regarding other issues. In general, employees are permitted to wear buttons to support or oppose a unionizing effort. If you work in an area where a t-shirt is considered appropriate dress, then a t-shirt is acceptable, as long as the language is not obscene, discriminatory or otherwise unlawful speech. If you work in an office where there are professional dress expectations, and a t-shirt is not considered appropriate dress, you will not be permitted to wear a union t-shirt during work hours, regardless of the content of the message. For additional information please contact Caryn Gronvold (656-8685) in the Human Resources/Labor Relations Office. The University Counsels Office is also available to answer questions (656-8585).