Reading Room Document

Application of 18 U.S.C. § 1913 to "Grass Roots" Lobbying by Union Representatives

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1913, federal employees who are union representatives may not use official time to engage in "grass roots" lobbying in which, on behalf of their unions, they ask members of the public to communicate with government officials in support of, or opposition to, legislation or other measures. The OLC does not provide release dates for its opinions, so the release date listed is the date on which the opinion was authored. The original opinion is available at www.justice.gov/file/450926/download.

November 23, 2005