The U S District Court in Denver decided what we could and could not say and do... they decided at Qwest's request what was permitted activity under a collective bargaining agreement. And we continue to agree by way of the LOA in this contract that was just ratified.  In short, we have to use the grievance and arbitration process to resolve our issues, to wash our dirty laundry, not any public forum for discussion.  Whistle blower laws protect those who report wrong doings to regulatory agencies.  It's an after the fact situation, if you suffer as a result of your actions, then the whistleblower rules take effect.  And that is a process.  Large corporations have rooms full of lawyers that are quite adept at dragging things out, starving employees and former employees into submission. (Nacchio is still out and about, appeal isn't on the docket yet, and the lawyers keep getting paid.)  Don't give them any opportunity to do this to anyone you know.

 

You need to remember we have this CBA in place of every person for themselves when trying to rectify any injustice done at work.  The downside is that it takes time and it's done by volunteers up to the point of meeting with a vice president of Qwest or arbitration.  These are volunteers who are juggling all their personal lives, work lives and then the business of the union, us.  The upside is that we don't have to share any back pay or financial awards with our stewards/union.  If we had hired attorneys, it still would take a considerable amount of time, the longer the bigger payday for the attorney... and that money comes out of your award, which could only be your back pay, so you wouldn't be made whole. 

 

Again, now that many are aware of the 'whole' language of the various sections of the code of conduct, DO NOT play a game of chicken with the company and their security department.  It's not worth your job.  We have means by which we can communicate with our fellow members at the local hall.  

 

Yes, we are all entitled to free speech, but even freedom isn't free, it comes with a cost, a consequence of some sort, at some point in time.  You have to be willing and able to accept those consequences and the final bill when you go to battle with anyone, big or small.   In today's economic times, the risk is higher and our options for re-employment elsewhere fewer.  Think before you type and hit send.