Page 34 - UFCW Union Steward Handbook

STEWARD’S LEGAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

boards, and/or the right to take time to post notices on the bulletin
board.
l The right to circulate (walk around) and talk with members.

l The right to meet with new hires during their orientation.
l The right to unpaid or paid leave for union business including
education for union duties.
l The right to investigate and handle grievances on paid time.

l The right to be notified if members have been disciplined.
Weingarten Rights
Workers called to an investigatory interview/meeting with
management, which they reasonably believe may lead to discipline,
are entitled to union representation.
This rule was established by a Supreme Court decision, NLRB v.
Weingarten in 1975 (thus the name “Weingarten rights”). It provides an
important way for stewards to ensure that workers are not intimidated
or coerced during closed-door sessions with management. But, the
worker must request union representation before or during the
interview in order to exercise this right (unless your union contract
prohibits the employer from meeting with co-workers without union
representation).
Stewards’ rights in Weingarten meetings include:
l Asking management about the reason for the interview.
l Meeting privately with the worker for a few minutes before
questioning begins. You can counsel the worker to stay calm, to
keep answers short and to the point, and to avoid volunteering
extra information. Remind them that “anything you say can be used
against you.”
l Speaking during the interview.

l Objecting to intimidating or harassing questions.
l Asking for clarification of confusing questions.

32 UFCW UNION STEWARD HANDBOOK