Weingarten Rights

Employee Rights to Union Representation
Weingarten Rights

In 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court announced the rights of union employees to have representation when management asks questions and the employee has reason to believe the questioning could lead to disciplinary action. This is called Weingarten Rights.

You do not have to face your management alone, inform management of your Weingarten rights. Management is NOT required to inform you of your Weingarten rights; it is your responsibility to know and request for union representation before or during the meeting. Until your union representative is present, you may refuse to answer any questions that could be used by your supervisor to discipline you.

If you are called to a meeting with management (that you have reason to believe could lead to being disciplined), read the following statement to management BEFORE the meeting starts:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my union representative, or shop steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. This is my right under a Supreme Court decision called Weingarten.”

Wallet-sized Weingarten Rights cards (in English and Spanish) are available from your union organizer or shop steward. Click here to view.

Flyer: Know your Rights - Weingarten Rights