If you are ever called into an interview meeting with your supervisor or manager so that they can investigate a situation which might result in discipline, you have specific representational rights. These rights are called Weingarten Rights and they are summarized below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These rights apply to you ONLY if you live in a state with strong collective bargaining rights. If you live in a right-to-work state and work for a municipal or county police department, Weingarten rights DO NOT apply to you.
Your Rights Under Weingarten:
You have the right to have a Union steward or union representative present.
If you want a steward there, you must ask for him or her.
If you do not know why your manager wants to meet with you, ask him/her if it is a meeting that could result in a discipline.
If your manager refuses to allow you to bring a steward, repeat your request in front of a witness. Do not refuse to attend the meeting, but do not answer any questions either. Take notes. Once the meeting is over call your steward at once.
You have the right to speak privately with your steward before the meeting and during the meeting.
Your steward has the right to play an active role in the meeting. She or he is not just witness.
Weingarten Statement "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated I respectfully request that my steward be present at the meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to respond to any questions or statements."
