Know Your Weingarten Rights

May 2015

WHAT IS WEINGARTEN?

An employee may be represented by the union at an investigatory interview with his/her supervisor when the employee reasonably believes that the interview may lead to a disciplinary action. This rule was set forth by the US Supreme Court in 1975 in NLRB v J. Weingarten, Inc. The case involved a clerk being investigated by the Weingarten Company.

“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 representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Until my representative arrives, I choose not to participate in this discussion.”

These rights have become known as Weingarten Rights.

An investigatory interview occurs when a supervisor questions an employee to obtain information which could be used as a basis for discipline or asks an employee to defend his or her conduct. When this occurs, the following rules apply:

1. REQUEST A UNAC/UHCP REPRESENTATIVE. Management must ensure a Representative is supplied upon request. Management is not obligated to offer union representation.

2. Before you answer any questions, you have the right:

a. To know who is your accuser
b. To know what specific rule you’re accused of violating
c. To review documentation management may have against you
d. To have time to confer with your Representative

3. Don’t answer anything if a Representative is not provided, just keep the chair warm.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The role of Union Rep/Steward is to be an advocate for the employee being questioned.

- Stop the supervisor from misleading, harassing, or abusing the Union member.

Someone to take notes on what is said and who said it.

- Assist in keeping facts straight.
- A witness to the conversation.

You should always ask for a Union Representative at investigation meetings with management.

Download a leaflet with this information to print and share with coworkers