The right of employees to have union representation at investigatory interviews was announced by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 1975 case (NLRB vs. Weingarten, Inc. 420 U.S. 251, 88 LRRM 2689). These rights have become known as the Weingarten rights.
Employees have Weingarten rights only during investigatory interviews. An investigatory interview occurs when a supervisor questions an employee to obtain information which could be used as a basis for discipline or asks an employee to defend his or her conduct.
If an employee has a reasonable belief that discipline or other adverse consequences may result from what he or she says, the employee has the right to request union representation. Management is not required to inform the employee of his/her Weingarten rights; it is the employees responsibility to know and request.
When the employee makes the request for a union representative to be present management has three options:
It can stop questioning until the representative arrives.
It can call off the interview or,
It can tell the employee that it will call off the interview unless the employee voluntarily gives up his/her rights to a union representative (an option the employee should always refuse.)
Employers will often assert that the only role of a union representative in an investigatory interview is to observe the discussion. The Supreme Court, however, clearly acknowledges a representative's right to assist and counsel workers during the interview.
The Supreme Court has also ruled that during an investigatory interview management must inform the union representative of the subject of the interrogation. The representative must also be allowed to speak privately with the employee before the interview. During the questioning, the representative can interrupt to clarify a question or to object to confusing or intimidating tactics.
While the interview is in progress, the representative can not tell the employee what to say but he may advise them on how to answer a question. At the end of the interview the union representative can add information to support the employee's case.
Source: http://wa.aft.org/resources/weingarten-rights
The following positions are vacant on the Board of Directors. Vacancies are either a one or two year term (see date next to each position for when the term expires). The Board of Directors meetings monthly to discuss Union related issues, actions, and other business as needed. Board members also help disseminate information from the Union Office, meet with administration for questions about contracts, and assist members with questions, concerns and when meeting with administration. Members of the Board Directors are supported by the Grievance Chairs and the Executive Board. If you have any questions, or are interested in one of the vacant positions, please contact Adam (president@nashuatu.org).Â
Teacher Representative (2024)
Teacher Representative (2024)
Paraeducator Representative (2024)
Teacher Representative (2025)
Paraeducator Representative (2024)
Paraeducator Representative (2024)
Teacher Representative (2025)
One (1) Unit Representative (2024)
One (1) Unit Representative (2025)
Have an idea for the Just for Fun section? Send it to Adam (president@nashuatu.org).
No surprises - Apple and Pumpkin led the way, but I was surprised by Pecan being so popular.
My boss told me to have a good day. So I didn't go into work.
Leaves!!! Those darn things are everywhere. I have oak trees in my yard, so I have leaves and acorns. This week's Just for Fun comes from LaShandra Long at Nashua High School South. My neighbors, who are retired, are outside dealing with the leaves all day, everyday. I wish they would take care of mine!