Brothers & Sisters:
This may be the most important email we have ever sent you. Recently, we have had a lot of questions from members about getting union representation AFTER having a meeting with their administrator go in a bad direction.
REMEMBER! YOUR ADMINISTRATOR IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE UNION REPRESENTATION!
Your Weingarten Rights give you the right to have union representation whenever you are called to a meeting with management and the discussion could reasonably lead to discipline or termination. If called to a meeting with your administrator, read the following to your administrator before the meeting starts: “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, officer or steward be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in the discussion.”
Also, you have the right to invoke these rights AT ANY TIME. If during a meeting, it seems that the meeting could lead to discipline actions, you should immediately request union representation. If you have a Building Rep at your building, they must be present. If not, you can always call the NTU office @ (973) 643-8430, and we will ensure you have representation before the discussion with your principal continues.
Failure to exercise these rights will put you at a severe disadvantage in any potential disciplinary situation! You need a witness to what an administrator says to you otherwise it's your word against theirs. Don't ever "go it" alone.
In Solidarity,
John M Abeigon
President & Director of Organization
Newark Teachers Union, Local 481, AFT, AFL-CIO