Legal Definitions - Weingarten right

Definition: Weingarten right is a labor law that gives a union member the right to have a union representative present during an employment meeting that the member reasonably believes will result in disciplinary action. This right was established by the Supreme Court in the case of NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc. in 1975. In 2000, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) extended Weingarten rights to nonunion employees.

Example: If an employee is called into a meeting with their supervisor to discuss a potential disciplinary action, they have the right to request a union representative to be present during the meeting. The representative can provide support and advice to the employee during the meeting.

Explanation: The Weingarten right is designed to protect employees from unfair treatment during employment meetings that could result in disciplinary action. By having a union representative present, the employee can ensure that their rights are being protected and that they are being treated fairly. This right is important for both union and nonunion employees, as it provides an additional layer of protection in the workplace.