Rights & Responsibilities

As a union steward, you have specific legal rights and responsibilities that are protected by law.

Weingarten Rights:

Members have the right to union representation during any investigatory interview that could lead to discipline. This is one of the most important rights you must protect.

If a supervisor calls an employee into a meeting that could lead to discipline, the employee has the right to:

• Request union representation before or during the interview

• Have a steward present during the meeting

• Consult with the steward before answering questions

Duty of Fair Representation:

You must represent ALL members fairly, regardless of personal feelings. This means:

• Never refusing to represent a member

• Giving every grievance a fair investigation

• Not being arbitrary, discriminatory, or acting in bad faith

Right to Investigate:

• You can request relevant information from management

• You can interview witnesses

• You can review personnel files (with member consent)

• You have the right to be present during disciplinary meetings