I am writing regarding your University Times article (Issue 16) about two Pitt employee surveys that have been ruled by Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board to be unfair labor practices.

I am horrified to learn that the United Steelworkers union and PLRB equate expression of opinion on a subject by USW-represented individuals as “negotiations.” The act of asking for someone's opinion, in this case via a survey, also does not equate with stalling concurrent negotiations.  

These rulings essentially keep the union-represented employees strangle-held against voicing their opinions on matters that could benefit themselves and the larger Pitt community. This draconian practice that the PLRB has sanctioned has overstepped its stated purpose and the “free speech” rights of individuals protected by our Constitution.

Katherine C. Wood

The letter represents Wood’s personal opinion only and not that of the University or its affiliated entities/organizations.