SPECIAL STATUS OF REPRESENTATIVES* *With some exceptions

Special Status of Representatives  Any member can serve as a representative for another member, at any time.  Special status applies to any member who serves as a representative, each and every time.

Special Status of Representatives  Confrontation is a necessary part of the union representative’s job.  Labor law grants a special status to union representatives.

Special Status of Representatives  Traditional workplace norms: employee must be respectful and obedient towards management.  Under NLRA, when acting as a union representative, status is elevated to equality with management.

Special Status of Representatives  When acting as a representative, you are allowed to:  Speak impulsively, especially if provoked  Swear (but please don’t)  Speak loudly  Speak frankly  Demean your supervisor’s intelligence  Threaten lawful protests

Special Status of Representatives  Aggressive advocacy is not always necessary, or appropriate, but it is not insubordination!

Special Status of Representatives  Immunity applies:  When acting as a union representative  In informal and formal meetings

Special Status of Representatives  HOWEVER...  Being a union representative does not grant you a general right to tell your supervisors to “shove it!”

Special Status of Representatives  Special status does not apply:  When you take issue with your own work assignment  When you debate your own job performance  When you receive notice of discipline

Special Status of Representatives  You are not protected by law if you:  Use extreme profanity  Use racial/sexual slurs  Threaten physical harm  Cause physical harm

Special Status of Representatives  Location is a factor:  What is considered appropriate behind closed doors would not be considered appropriate in the middle of the school cafeteria.  Exception:  If provoked by similar language or actions by the supervisor, you may respond in kind.

Special Status of Representatives  Management cannot hold union representatives to a higher standard or impose a greater punishment for a similar offense.