Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 20, 1995                   TAG: 9507200035
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI                                 LENGTH: Medium

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY IF YOU WORK FOR PULASKI

Town employees must be more careful these days in what they talk about on the job.

A new policy bans political, religious and social commentary at work.

While transacting town business or otherwise representing the town, the 100 employees "must refrain from communications and conduct that expresses support or opposition on political and social issues not directly involved with the town business at hand, or which communicates the political, religious or social affiliations of the employee."

Violations can bring penalties up to and including dismissal, depending on the nature of the violation, whether it was willful or inadvertent, whether any harm was meant or done, and the employee's record.

Pulaski Town Council routinely approved the policy Tuesday night, on the recommendation of its Human Resources Committee.

Town Attorney Frank Terwilliger had already led employee seminars on the policy and the reasons for it: Employees should be professional and should not express views that counter those of town officials. The committee reported that the employees seemed to understand and accept it.

"While the policy contains prohibitions, its overall effect should be to minimize strife and offensive behavior and to maximize professional, courteous conduct toward the public and other employees," the policy says.

The policy says employees must not let political, religious or social views of the people they serve influence how well services are provided.

Away from their workplace, employees must make it clear that expressions of their views do not represent those of the town. Only council can take official positions on issues.

If a town resident tries to talk at work about topics covered by the policy, the employee is instructed to steer the conversation back to business. If that fails, the employee must say that town policy prohibits discussing the topic on town time and, if that does not work, call a supervisor for help.

Also, public criticism of town operations or of other employees "can be construed to be improper or insubordination.''

Employees should voice any dissatisfaction with town policies through their supervisors or the grievance procedure.

Nonverbal communication in the form of buttons, pins, wall pictures or posters and desk objects on political, religious or social issues also is banned at work.

Even off the job, employees can run afoul of the policy.

"Employees are cautioned that, in some instances, they may engage in communications or conduct away from the work environment which is lawful, yet would interfere with the employee's ability to fulfill the functions of employment," it says.

Employees can display bumper stickers advocating personal views, so long as their vehicles are not regularly used in town business. They can take part in lawful assemblies, picketing or other demonstrations away from work, but not in a manner that could be construed as representing the town.