Your Rights as a Union Member
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Union Members have the right to
representation by their Stewards or Union Officers during conversations with a
supervisor which could potentially lead to discipline in nature.
Should this
occur follow these steps, some times referred to as "Weingarten
Rights".
 | Demand Union Representation:
You must ask for Union representation before or during the interview. |
| Refuse to proceed without Union representation:
You must tell a questioner of your desire for representation. Refusal to
cooperate on your part can be viewed as insubordination. If management
refuses to allow you representation, stay in the room but remain silent. |
| Don't make any written or verbal statement of guilt or innocence.
Management cannot force you to make a statement. The most appropriate
response is to make NO statement. |
| Do not waive your rights to representation:
If you proceed in questioning without representation you have waived your
right to representation and any statements can be used against you. |
What you Should Say
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or
terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request my Union Steward
or Union Officer be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose
not to answer any Questions.
Union representatives have these rights when Summoned to the interview:
| To be informed of the subject matter of the interview. |
| To hold a private pre-interview conference with the employee. |
| To speak during the interview. |
| To request clarification of questions. |
| To advise the employee on how to answer questions. |
| To provide additional information once the interview is over. |
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