Your Right to Representation
Our contractual rights are only meaningful if members know them and invoke them. One of our basic rights as workers is the right to union representation.
Whenever you suspect a discussion with an administrator may lead to discipline, invoke your Weingarten rights by saying the words below:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union Representative be present at this meeting. Without a representative present, I choose not to participate further in this discussion.”
You have the right to be represented by the association when:
- You may be subjected to a reprimand or other disciplinary action.
- You wish to challenge an overall evaluation rating.
- You have a grievance.
- A complaint has been filed against you.
You have the right to HALT any conference in progress with any administrator if any of the above situations occurs, and you may demand postponement so that you may obtain representation.
In the event of any adverse action affecting your employment status or if you are being investigated:
DO NOT
- Admit anything.
- Sign anything.
- Be insubordinate.
- Make any statement.
- Answer questions.
- Resign.
If you have any questions about your right to representation, contact the Sweetwater Education Association at 619-427-1370.