Know Your Rights! Your Right to Union Representation and a Safe and Healthy Workplace
"If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. I further request reasonable time to consult with my union representative regarding the subject and purpose of the meeting. I shall not consent to any searches or tests affecting my person, property, or effects without first consulting with my union representative."
YOUR RIGHT TO UNION REPRESENTATION
Understanding your Weingarten rights are crucial to all union members! Weingarten rights apply during investigatory interviews when an employee believes that the discussion could lead to disciplinary action. In these situations, the employee has the right to request union representation. The employer must either grant the request and delay questioning until a union representative is present, or allow the employee to choose not to participate in the interview. These rights do not apply to every meeting or conversation, but specifically to situations where discipline could result. Click here to read the entirety of your Weingarten rights.
If you don’t know who your stewards are, reach out to your Area Vice President and keep their cell phone numbers in your personal phone.
Your Right to a Safe and Healthy Workplace
You also have the right to work in an environment that doesn't harm your health. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that employers must maintain a workplace free from known dangers.
Under U.S. health and safety laws, you are entitled to:
A safe work environment
Filing an OSHA complaint about unsafe conditions
Protection from retaliation for reporting safety issues
Refusing tasks you believe are immediately dangerous
Knowledge about workplace hazards
Information on workplace injuries and illnesses
Access to medical and environmental test records
Discussing unsafe conditions with your supervisor
If you believe your workplace is unsafe, contact your union steward or Area Vice President.