Solicitation in the workplace for MDA funds

System

An employee is participating in a fund-raising drive for the MDA. Can she go to her coworkers and ask if they would like to make a donation to this non-profit agency? My company itself is making a donation. Or would this be considered solicitation?

An employee a few weeks ago went through the plant selling girl scout cookies for his daughter...that was allowed.

Thanks.

dhnyct

I wouldn't think we should allow anyone to go throughout the plant/office soliciting, especially during work time. We do allow notices on our bulletin board and in the breakroom.

David Hagaman GA

To put it bluntly: you have potentially big problems. The whole are of solicitation is fairly closely regulated by decisions out of the National Labor Relations Board. Basically and employer may prohibit employees from soliciting for any cause (with one annual exception like United Way) during the employee's work time, which is that time the employee is working or supposed to be working. This rule, however, must be consistently enforced to be used effectively to prohibit solicitation the employer does not want to take place, primarily solicitation for union activity. Most employers have no-solicitation rules in the policies and handbooks along with no-distibution rules, which are another subject.
Generally, it is not a good idea, whether you have a printed rule or not, to allow employees to solicit for any reason during their work time. They should confine this activity to their breaks, lunch, or before or after work. Good luck.