Know Your Rights:
The Right to Representation
If you are ever called into an interview meeting with your supervisor or manager so they can investigate a situation which might lead to discipline, you have specific representational rights. These rights are summarized below:
- You have the right to have a Union representative present
- If you want a Union representative, you must request for it
- If you do not know why your manager wants to meet with you, ask him/her if it is a meeting that could lead to discipline
- If your manager refuses to allow you to bring a steward, repeat your request in front of a witness. Do not refuse to attend the meeting, but do not answer any question either. Take notes and call a Union representative once the meeting is over.
- You have the right to speak privately with your Union representative before the meeting and during the meeting.
- Your Union representative has the right to play an active role in the meeting.
These rights are called “Weingarten Rights based on a 1975 Supreme Court decision (NLRB v. J. Weingarten). As with all rights, if we do not use them we lose them.
This statement could save your job:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated I respectfully request that my steward be present at the meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to respond to any questions or statements.”