If you are ever called into an interview meeting with your supervisor or manager so they can investigate a situation which might result in discipline, you have specific representational rights.

These rights are summarized below:

• You have the right to have a union steward 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 disciplinary action.

• 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 right away.

• 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 a witness.

These rights are called "Weingarten Rights" based on a 1975 Supreme Court decision (NLRB vs. J. Weingarten).