In 1975, the United States Supreme Court ruled that union workers have the right to union representation if management is conducting an investigatory interview. Union workers do not have to use this right, but it is good practice to have an advocate on your side. And management cannot discipline you for using these rights. Keep these words handy as union workers must make the clear request for union representation and management does not have to warn you that you have these Weingarten rights. Then contact your steward right away.

“If this discussion could lead in any way to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that a union representative be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”