ARTICLE 5 - Rights of Employees.

SECTION 1. Each employee shall have the right to join or assist the Union, or any other labor organization, or to refrain from any such activity, freely and without fear of penalty or reprisal, and each employee shall be protected in the exercise of such right. Each employee shall have the right:

A. To act for the Union in the capacity of a representative, and in that capacity to present the views of the Union to elected or appointed officials of Federal, state, and local governments, the Congress, or other appropriate authorities; and,

B. To engage in collective bargaining with respect to conditions of employment as authorized by the NWSEO National President, this Agreement, and applicable laws.

SECTION 2. The provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to preclude an employee from being represented by an attorney or other representative of the employee’s own choosing (other than the Union) in any grievance or appeal action, or exercising grievance or appellate rights established by law, rule, or regulation, except in case of grievance procedure as negotiated in this Agreement.

SECTION 3. Nothing in this Agreement shall require an employee to become or remain a member of the Union, or to pay money to the Union, except pursuant to a voluntary, written authorization by the employee for payment of dues through payroll deductions pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7115.

SECTION 4. Employees have the right, either individually or collectively, to petition Congress, or any member thereof.  All employees shall be provided the full protection extended to them by law, regulation, and this Agreement.  These rights will not be interfered with or denied.

SECTION 5. Management may question bargaining unit employees to ascertain necessary facts in preparation for third party proceedings under 5 U.S.C. 71, including unfair labor practices and grievances.  The management representative shall tell the employee(s):

A. The purpose of the questioning;

B. That no reprisal will take place;

C. That participation is voluntary;

D. That the questioning will not exceed the legitimate purpose of the inquiry; and,

E. That he/she may have a NWSEO representative present during the inquiry, upon request.

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