Judge Upholds CWA Workers' Right to Wear and Display Pro-Union Messages

Members of CWA Local 9509 can show their support for safe jobs following an administrative law judge's ruling that upheld workers' rights to display pro-union materials.

CWA District 9 Vice President Laura Reynolds reported that CWA members won a big victory with their right to wear and display pro-union messages upheld by an NLRB administrative law judge.

In April 2012, some CWA members were disciplined by Pacific & Nevada Bell Telephone for wearing and displaying pro-union messages on stickers and buttons, as well as on company trucks, laptops and lockers. About 18 months later, an NLRB regional director issued an amended complaint against the company for several labor law violations related to this unfair discipline. A hearing before an administrative law judge brought a clear victory for our members' rights to show support for our union.

Judge John McCarrick found that the company violated the fundamental tenets of federal labor law, and that language in the employer's Premises Guidelines also violates the National Labor Relations Act. His recommended order requires that the company "cease and desist from maintaining and enforcing this rule in its Premises Technicians Guidelines employee handbook."

"Without a doubt, the workers who showed their union support and stood up for their rights are heroes of our union movement," Reynolds said.