When it boils down to representation, they aren't worth it. They may be there .. but when you need them, they aren't. They basically stay on Management's side and/or play favorites among friends.
It's annoying and frustrating. I have to resort to something I feel being a bit dangerous, and am going directly to the manager of my department instead of talking to my supervisor or the union.
I am not bitter btw.. I am just in shock that I was told "you're going to get fired" by a shop steward due to a medical condition I have. Long story, but isn't that illegal? I have a condition that is protected under ADA, I've seeked medical advice, I am under treatment for it, but they started the beginings of firing me due to a medical condition.
File for FMLA also at every step of discipline file a grievance(
http://files.cwa-union.org/CwaNet/GrievanceFormAPSEA.pdf)and push it forward. Contact your local president if you do not understand the process
District 9
9509 SAN,SEA,PHX: johnt9509cwa@sbcglobal.net
9423 SFO: tycalderon@cwa9423.com
9413 LAS: CWA9413PRES@SBCGLOBAL.NET
9400 LAX: VKDIPAOLO9400@CHARTER.NET
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS...and remember them! The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that union members have the right to representation by their stewards or union officers, during conversations with managers, that could potentially lead to discipline or termination from their job.
Demand Union Representation: You must ask for Union representation before or during the interview.
Refuse to proceed without Union Representation: You must tell a Questioner of your desire for representation. If representation is not provided to you, stay in the room, but remain silent.
Don't make ANY written or verbal statement of guilt or innocence: Management cannot force you to make a statement. The most appropriate response is to make NO statement.
Do not waive your right to Representation: If you proceed in questioning without Representation, you have waived your Right to Representation and any statements made can be used against you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY: "If this discussion could, in any way, lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my Union Steward or Union Officer be present at this meeting. Without Representation, I choose not to answer any questions."
REMEMBER: A signature constitutes a legal document, ...don't sign anything that can be used against you, later.
UNION REPRESENTATIVES
Representatives have the following rights when summoned to the interview:
To be informed of the subject matter of the interview.
To hold a private pre-interview conference with the Employee.
To speak during the interview.
To request clarification of questions.
To advise the Employee on how to answer questions.
To provide additional information once the interview is over.
