Question:  During a grievance meeting, the foreman makes a number of ridiculous and unfounded statements. Infuriated, you call him a “jackass.” Can management discipline you for what you said?

Answer:  No. Strong language during grievance meetings is protected. Attorney Robert Schwartz writes: “Salty language during grievance meetings, short of extreme profanity, is protected by the National Labor Relations Board. In one case, a steward called a supervisor ‘a big twerp.’ In another, the NLRB reinstated a steward who called his boss ‘a stupid ass.’ In a third case, the NLRB removed the written reprimand of a steward who told his supervisor, ‘I don’t give a f*** who you call.’”