What are Weingarten rights?

Weingarten rights refer specifically to an employee's entitlement to have union representation during investigatory interviews that the employee believes could lead to disciplinary action. This legal principle emerged from a 1975 Supreme Court ruling, which established that employees covered by union contracts have the right to request a union representative to accompany them if they are being questioned by management in a potentially disciplinary context. The presence of a representative helps ensure that the interview process is fair and provides support to the employee.

The other options discuss different aspects of labor rights but do not pertain specifically to the Weingarten rights. For instance, workplace safety is covered under different regulations, such as OSHA standards. Issues regarding wage increases and employee benefits are typically governed by labor agreements and do not involve the specific right to representation during a disciplinary interview. Understanding Weingarten rights is essential for both employees and employers to ensure fair treatment within the workplace, especially in the context of unionized environments.