Informational Picketing and Attendance at Rallies by State Employees

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bureau of Employee Relations
Telephone (207) 287-4447
FAX (207) 287-4452 TDD (207) 287-4537

No.: OSER-33

Date: July 19, 1984

Subject: Informational Picketing and Attendance at Rallies by State Employees

To: All Holders of Employee Relations Manual

From: Kenneth A. Walo, Director

It is reported that State employees throughout various areas of the State are involved in either informational picketing, rallies, or demonstrations regarding the contract dispute between the State and the Maine State Employees Association. Informational picketing is protected under law. However, depending on its character and its effect on public or employee access to buildings, picketing may sometimes cease to be a protected activity and constitute a prohibited act under the State Employees Labor Re1ations Act. Emp1oyees invo1ved in picketing cannot impede either pedestrian or vehicular traffic entering or exiting State owned or leased facilities. Also, employees involved in either picketing, rallies, or other demonstrations, must do so on their off-duty time, employees' request for vacation, comp time or leave without pay to attend such activities should be treated in accordance with normal departmental procedures and the respective collective bargaining agreements.

The State does not wish to interfere or stifle protected employee activities. In order to ensure that a proper determination is made concerning the status of any picketing, any such questions should be directed to this office for response.

KAW/bls

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Informational Picketing and Attendance at Rallies by State Employees