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Conference 7.286::digital

Title:The Digital way of working
Moderator:QUARK::LIONELON
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5321
Total number of notes:139771

1353.0. "Misuse of DIGITAL facilities" by UNTADI::NESMITH (in Germany) Thu Jan 24 1991 10:07

At lunch today, I found flyers on all the tables in the employee cafeteria 
in Unterfoehring, Germany calling to join a demonstration against the war in 
the Gulf. Does company policy allow for the use of company facilities for the 
spread of political propoganda?

Tom
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1353.1To be blunt : NOESPO01::MOLLERHAUGSecure, cheap, functional. Pick any two.Thu Jan 24 1991 10:233
Matters will be addressed offline.

Stein_M
1353.2KEYS::MOELLERNo energy policy ? go to war.Thu Jan 24 1991 15:323
    There are other ways to get one's point across. ;-)
    
    karl
1353.3How about a reading on use of computers?VMSSG::NICHOLSIt ain't easy being greenThu Jan 24 1991 15:404
    And how about using Digital's computer facilities to support OR oppose
    				  ^^^^^^^^
    the war. (distribution of 'electronic leaflets', announcements of
    meetings,strikes, etc)?
1353.4MAMTS5::MWANNEMACHERlet us pray to HimThu Jan 24 1991 16:057
    How about lightening up.  Because these things are available does not
    mean you have to attend/sign up or whatever.  You start limiting some
    of these things, it could open up a can of worms.
    
    Peace,
    
    Mike
1353.5ATLANA::SHERMANGetting closer to the Son!Thu Jan 24 1991 16:311
  RE:.3  See also "Personnel Policies & Procedures", Section #6.54
1353.6COVERT::COVERTJohn R. CovertThu Jan 24 1991 18:0724
I don't know about applicable policies in Germany, but from a reading of
the U.S. P&P, as long as Digital employees distributed the literature
only in break areas (such as the lunchroom), this is allowed.

Another case in Germany was cited where each employee was hand-deliverd
a solicitation.  This would be prohibited in the U.S., but again, the
work rules in Germany may be different.

PERSONNEL                       Section 6.19
				Page  1 of 1
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES         Effective 17-MAY-82

                 Solicitations and Distribution of Literature


It is Digital's policy that all employees are not to solicit other
employees for any purpose during working time.  Working time does
not include break time or meal time.  Digital employees are not
permitted to distribute literature of any kind and at any time in
working areas.

Persons who are not employees of the Company are prohibited from
distributing literature of any kind or soliciting employees for any
purpose at any time on Company property.
1353.7BHAJEE::JAERVINENPeace thru superior firepowerThu Jan 24 1991 18:286
    re .&6: I guess the last sentence wouldn't be in accordance with German
    laws.
    
    While I'm not a lawyer, I think trade union officials (not employed by
    Digital) may e.g. distribute literature. At least this is common usage.
    
1353.8MU::PORTERparadise and lunchThu Jan 24 1991 22:596
    All those who are invoking the "Big Book Of Rules" against these
    anti-war flyers -- I trust you'd be as diligent in protecting DEC's
    propriety if they were calling for a demonstration in support
    of the action?
    
    (Somehow, though, I doubt it).
1353.9REGENT::POWERSFri Jan 25 1991 11:429
re: .7  The US has laws that protect labor unions from being locked out
        of soliciting at sites they wish to organize, but that doesn't say
        that companies have to accept non-employees as solicitors on company
        property or that even employee-driven solicitations are protected
        during work time at a work site.  However, I don't know the whole law.

re: .8  That's a cheap shot, unjustified by the content of this discussion.

- tom powers]
1353.10If you go to any protest, for or against, leave your badge home!COVERT::COVERTJohn R. CovertFri Jan 25 1991 19:4110
Actually, Dave, I would object to any sort of soliciting of DEC employees to
get involved in protests for or against the war, especially in Germany.

We do not need to have the terrorists reminded that there is this big
American company called "Digital".

They are already bombing banks and airline ticket offices; let's hope
they stay away from our offices.

/john
1353.11BOLT::MINOWThe best lack all conviction, while the worstSat Jan 26 1991 00:1210
re: .10 - it might also be added that Digital -- unlike many companies --
does not have an identifiable "political stance."  For example, it is
the only major Massachusetts "Hi Tech" firm that is not part of the
High Technology Council which is a political (but not clearly party-specific)
lobbying group.

While I don't doubt that Ken Olson votes and has clearly defined and
well thought-out views, I have no idea what they are; and I like that.

Martin.
1353.12Digital Respects "Professionally" the positionGUIDUK::B_WOODI manage my cat?Tue Jan 29 1991 20:5514
    I think it might be stated, "Digital doesn't own the political ideas of the 
    employees".  If as a company, it discourged any discussion of the
    issues and didn't allow any stated views beyond those offically
    held by some high level managers, I would resign immediately.
    
    I know of individuals on both sides of the issue.  To at least my
    local organizations, even where management has a very clear
    understanding of the individuals points of view, I've heard of no
    redress.  
    
    It servers very well that Digital holding this position has little
    to worry about demonstrations since it allows it's employees freedom
    of speach!
    
1353.13WLDWST::GUILLENThu Jan 31 1991 01:163
    All of us have our different opinions on the war in the Gulf.
    But the work place shouldn't be used as another battle ground.