Educating Workers
 You
may be familiar with the "Miranda warnings" given
by police. The Miranda warnings notify criminal suspects of
their rights, including the right to a lawyer and to remain
silent. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court did not impose a notice
requirement in its Weingarten decision. Employers have no obligation
to inform workers of their right to request union representation.
This is the Union's job.
Unions should explain Weingarten
rights at meetings and in newsletters. A good way to get the
word out is to distribute wallet-sized cards saying the following:
"If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions." |
On the other side of the card, print information about the union, such as office address, telephone numbers and the names of officers. Tell members to present the card whenever they fear that what they say may affect their position. |
