is it ethical to use company time to solicite signatures for a petition concerning a current social issue ?

Answer 1

No, it is not. Generally, asking co-workers to sign a petition or soliciting them for a donation to a cause you support is acceptable ON YOUR OWN TIME (breaks, lunch time, after work, etc.). Using company time, for which you are being paid, for personal purposes is not generally acceptable. Of course, some personal phone calls, etc., are necessary and usually allowed. If, and when, such personal use of work hours interferes with the conduct of business, it is unethical.