YOUR BASIC RIGHTS AT WORK

You have important protections in your union contract. Here are the most essential ones to know about if you’re facing a problem at work.

1. BEFORE YOU SIGN ANYTHING OR GO TO A "MEETING"

You have the Right to Representation (Weingarten Right).

• If a supervisor calls you into a meeting that you believe could lead to discipline or getting written up, you can and should say: "I request my union steward be present."
• The meeting should then be paused until your steward arrives. Do not feel pressured to answer questions alone.

2. IF YOU’RE BEING DISCIPLINED OR WRITTEN UP

• You can only be disciplined for "Just Cause" (a fair, proven reason).
• Discipline should normally be "Progressive" (a verbal warning before a written warning, etc.), unless the offense is very serious like theft or abuse.
• You have the right to fight any unfair discipline through the grievance procedure.
• You can write a response to any write-up and have it attached to the document in your file. (Article 20: Grievance & Arbitration)

3. YOUR RIGHT TO A SAFE JOB

• The Employer must provide free training and safety equipment (like gloves, masks) needed to do your job safely.
• If you feel unsafe or threatened by a person you support, you can formally request a "Safety Transfer."
• You cannot be forced to work more than 18 consecutive hours and should have at least 12 hours off between shifts.

4. PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION

• You have the right to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination, and hostility.
• Retaliation is forbidden. You cannot be punished for reporting harassment, discrimination, or safety issues in good faith.

5. YOUR PAY & SCHEDULE RIGHTS

• Overtime Pay: You have a right to take an open shift, by seniority, up to 15 hours of overtime without admin approval.
• Holiday Pay: You get premium pay (double-time or time-and-a-half) for working on holidays.
• Minimum Call-In Pay: If you are called in to work unscheduled, you are guaranteed at least 2 hours of pay.
• Rest Breaks: You get a paid 10-minute break for every 4 hours you work. (Article 29: Breaks)
• Seniority Matters: Your job security during layoffs, and your preference for vacation times and open shifts, is based on your seniority.

6. YOUR TIME OFF & BENEFITS

• Bereavement Leave: You get paid time off for the death of an immediate family member.
• Jury Duty Pay: You get supplemental pay if you are called for jury duty.

7. Your Rights Regarding Drug Testing & Privacy

• Your private, off-duty life is generally your own. You cannot be disciplined for legal activities outside of work, unless there is clear evidence it affects your job performance or safety at work.
• No random testing. A drug/alcohol test can only be required if there is specific, documented "reasonable suspicion" you are impaired while at work. You have the right to know the reason and to have a union steward accompany you.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE YOUR RIGHTS!

Many problems happen because employees don't know they have these protections. You are not alone.

If you are called into a meeting, facing a write-up, being asked to do something unsafe, or feel your rights are being violated:

CONTACT YOUR UNION STEWARD IMMEDIATELY.
Your union exists to help you understand and enforce these rights.