Weingarten Rights
The right of a union-represented employee to request a steward in any meeting that could reasonably lead to discipline.
Full definition
Weingarten Rights, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc. (1975), give union-represented employees the right to request union representation during any investigatory interview that the employee reasonably believes could result in disciplinary action. The right must be affirmatively invoked by the employee — management is not required to offer it. Once invoked, management may grant the request, end the interview, or offer to cancel; what management cannot do is continue the investigatory interview without representation.
Related terms
Just Cause
The contractual standard requiring management to have a legitimate, proportionate, and procedurally fair reason for discipline.
Grievance
A formal complaint that the employer has violated a provision of the CBA, past practice, or applicable law.
Unfair Labor Practice (ULP)
Conduct by an employer or a union that violates Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act.
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