LOS ANGELES (AP) — Union members can picket privately owned walkways in front of stores, but other protesters, handbill distributors and petition-signature collectors may not, the California Supreme Court ruled.
In the case that pitted Ralphs Grocery Co. against United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 8, the justices on Thursday struck down an appellate court opinion that found two state laws that protect labor pickets as unconstitutional.
In its ruling, the majority of the state high court noted that privately owned areas in front of stores do not constitute public forum for any type of free-speech activity, but peaceful labor activities related to that retailer are permitted under both state and federal law.
Laws rightfully single out labor-related content for special protection under free speech laws because labor is part of an economic situation, the court said. Picketing outside the employer's premises is an intrinsic part of a labor relationship and free speech, the court said.
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