Members Rights: You have the Right of Fair Representation

As a member of CWA Local 4340 you have certain rights and benefits as outlined in your respective contract.

You have the right of "fair" representation. Fair is the key word.

If you believe your rights have been violated in your contract, by law or past practices please contact your Steward. Your Steward works for you and knows your particular contract and work place best. Your Steward will research and investigate your problem and let you know if you have a grievance.

If however, you are not satisfied, you may appeal to your Chief Steward, Director, Local Officer, International Vice President and yes, even your National Executive Board in Washington D.C.Your Local is governed by its own by laws and the Union Constitution.

If, as a member of CWA, you are called into a meeting with management and have reasonable belief that discipline or other adverse consequences may result from what they say, you have a right to union representation. These meetings usually relate to subjects such as absenteeism, accidents, damage to company property, drinking, drugs, falsification of records, fighting, insubordination, tardiness, theft, work rules and performance.

These types of meetings are called "investigatory interviews." They occur when management questions an employee to obtain information which may be used towards discipline, or asks an employee to defend his or her conduct. If in doubt, ask for your Steward.

Remember, employers have no obligation to inform workers of their right to request union representation. You must ask.

If you are unsure or denied your request, repeat the following:

"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, director, chief steward, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions."