Weingarten Rights:
Union Representation in Workplace Meetings
As a physician assistant and member of United Physician Assistants of Michigan Medicine, you have important legal rights that protect you during meetings with supervisors, administrators, or management. Understanding these rights helps ensure you’re treated fairly in your workplace.
What are your Rights
You have the right to union representation during any meeting where administration is questioning you about situations that could result in disciplinary action. These “investigatory interviews” include when supervisors or administrators are:
- Investigating patient care concerns or medical incidents
- Questioning your clinical decisions or documentation practices
- Reviewing compliance issues or policy violations
- Examining scheduling, attendance, or professional conduct matters
- Asking you to explain or defend your actions in any clinical or administrative situation
When Should You Request Representation?
You should request a union representative:
- Before any investigatory meeting begins - when called to discuss incidents, complaints, or concerns
- During a meeting - if the discussion shifts toward potential disciplinary matters
How to Request Representation
Make a clear, direct request for union representation. Administration is not required to inform you of this right – you must advocate for yourself. You cannot be penalized for making this request.
Recommended statement: “I am requesting union representation because I believe this discussion could lead to disciplinary action.”
Administration's Required Response
After you request representation, administration must choose one of three options:
- Grant your request and postpone the meeting until your union representative arrives
- Deny your request and immediately end the meeting
- Offer you a choice between proceeding without representation or ending the meeting
Important: If administration denies your request but continues questioning you, this violates federal labor law. You have the right to refuse to answer and cannot be disciplined for exercising this right.
Remember Your Rights
- You must make a clear request for representation - management has no obligation to inform you of these rights
- You cannot be disciplined for requesting representation
- You don't need permission to invoke these rights
- Your union representative can assist and counsel you during the interview, not just observe
- If your request is denied and questioning continues, you may refuse to answer
Need Help?
If you have questions about your Weingarten rights or need immediate assistance, contact us:
Email: president@upamm.org
