All Union Members Have the Right to Representation
If you are ever called to an interview meeting with your supervisor or manager so they can investigate a situation that might result in discipline, you have specific representational rights. These rights are summarized below:
- You have the right to have a Union steward present (any available steward is eligible to represent you at a meeting)
- If you want a Union steward there, you must ask for one.
- If you do not know why your manager wants to meet with you, ask him/her if it is a meeting that could result in disciplinary action.
- If your manager refuses to allow you to bring a Union steward, repeat your request in front of a witness. Do not refuse to attend a meeting, but do not answer any questions either. Take notes. Once the meeting is over, call your Union steward at once.
- You have the right to speak privately with your Union steward before the meeting and during the meeting.
- Your Union steward has the right to play an active role in the meeting. S/he is not just a witness. The Union steward must be informed of the subject matter of the interview – type of misconduct being investigated – prior to the meeting.
These rights are called “Weingarten Rights” and are based on a 1975 Supreme Court decision (NLRB vs. J. Weingarten).
If called to a meeting with management, make the following statement to the manager / supervisor:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union steward be present at this meeting. Without Union representation, I choose not to respond to any questions or statements or participate in this discussion.”
