When to bring a Union Rep:

You have the right to have a union representative at any meeting or invenstigatory interview with a supervisor or administrator that you reasonable belive might lead to discipline.  These are called your Weingarten Rights, named after a 1975 U.S. Supreme Court decision.  Your supervisor does not have to notify you or of your rights to union representation - you must assert your Weingarten Rights.  This applies to everyoine who works in a unionized child care center, school, college or university, whether public or private.

What is discipline?

Discipline might include a written reprimand, a demotion, an unpaid suspension from work, or termination.

Attending Meetings:

If you are told to attend a meeting with your supervisor, ask what the topic will be.  If it sounds to you as if it might lead to discipline, contact your union and ask for a representative to accompany you.  Or, if you are in a meeting with your supervisor and the direction turns toward reprimand, say that you would like to reschedule the meeting to allow you to have a union rep present.  If the supervisor refuses, explain that you prefer not to answer questions, but that you will if directly ordered to do so.

To assert your Weingarten Rights, Say:

"If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined, terminiated, or could affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union repesentative be present."

Have a problem on the job?

If you have a problem on the job or you see a violation of your union contract, contact your site representative or local grievance officer.

If you think you hve a legal problem, contact your local leaders immediately.