locker searches

[ktc]

(Nebraska)
Does an employer have the right to perform random (or not-so-random) searches on employee's lockers? I heard a while back that if the employer provided the locker AND THE LOCK that they could make searches any time they felt like it. They also accepted responsibility for anything which might "disappear" from that locker, since the lock was under their control.

If, however, they allowed you to put your personal lock on the locker, then they gave up the right to searches (without specific cause, or maybe even a warrant) but also were not necessarily held responsible for any losses.

We're a Union Shop, so I asked the business agent, but he blew me off with a "well, it's their locker, isn't it?" and refused to even ask the union legal department.

Any ideas where I might get better advice?

 

[Attorney_Replogle]

You have to go back to the union. Sorry! You are going to have to follow your union book (aka Collective Bargaining Agreement or CBA) carefully. You may have to file a grievance per the CBA, but in any case, by federal law, you have to get this question answered via your union steward, and if no answer there, then file a grievance.

 

[ktc]

There is nothing in the contract (which I have re-read carefully) about privacy issues... I was hoping that the BA would take the question to the Union's attorney, but he didn't want to, and I didn't really want to antagonize him by filing a grievance.

As it's been explained to me before, even if the contract does have specific provisions, if they are in violation of state or federal law, that contact provision is void... right?