Company
security officials frequently summon employees
for questioning about anything and everything.
Such an interview can, and frequently does
lead to discipline, termination, and/or the filing
of criminal charges.
You
should NEVER assume
that an interrogation by company security is harmless,
no matter what assurances you may be given.
If
you are called into one of these investigative
interviews:
You
have RIGHTS. The
U.S. Supreme Court in its 1975 decision in
the case of the National Labor Relations Board
versus Weingarten, Inc. (420 U.S.251) ruled
that a union member has a right to have
a union representative present during an investigative
interview that the member believes might
lead to disciplinary action.
You should ASK for
a Union representative as soon as you are told
of the interview. Do
not sign or admit to anything unless you have
first discussed the situation with your union
representative.
If you ask for union representation after the interview
begins, the interview must STOP until you are
provided with representation. The employer is
not allowed to retaliate against you for asking for
union representation.
Do
not be intimidated, no matter what security officials
say or threaten.
Your
union representative, trained and experienced in
these matters, will represent your interests and
will serve as a witness to whatever transpires
at the interview The rep will be able to swear
as to what you did or did not say, which could
be crucial in the event the matter becomes serious
and might result in discipline, discharge, or criminal
charges.
Call
our office 1(800) 698-8329 to request an
"Interrogations
Rights Statement Card"
or just click
here to print the on line card or spanish.
Present it before the interrogation.