EMPLOYER INTERFERENCE, RESTRAINT, COERCION; DEFENSES – Union or Employee Misconduct

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Although employees could reasonably have inferred employer's statement that employees "could lose their jobs" if they elevated a protest regarding sick leave policy carried the threat of dismissal, statement was not unlawful because it was excusable under the circumstances; pp. 45-46. PERB has held that an "employee's right to engage in concerted activity may permit some leeway for impulsive behavior, which must be balanced against the employer's right to maintain order and respect." An activity loses its protected character when the activity is "opprobrious, flagrant, insulting, defamatory, insubordinate, or fraught with malice"; p. 46. An employer may expect that employee activity be carried out in a lawful manner through the pursuit of lawful means; p. 47; Notices asserting "possible" sick leave are protected. lawful manner through the pursuit of lawful means; p. 47; Notices asserting "possible" sick leave are protected.