Know Your Union Rights

What to Do if You’re Called into the Office

• Ask for Your Steward. It’s your right.
• Keep it simple. Give clear answers. Don’t volunteer extra information.
• If you don’t know or don’t remember, say so. Never invent a story.
• File a grievance if you receive a warning letter.
• Your steward has the right to know the subject of the meeting and to meet with you beforehand.
• You can request a private caucus (break) with your steward during the meeting.

What to Do if You’re Called in for a Drug Test

• Do not refuse the test. Refusal can lead to discharge that is very hard to overturn.
• Have your steward find out why the test is being given (random, post-accident, or reasonable cause).
• For reasonable-cause testing, the steward should verify the supervisor’s training and the specific observed behavior.

What to Do if You’re Injured on the Job

• Tell your employer right away and bring a witness when reporting.
• Seek medical care immediately. Delays can hurt your workers’ compensation claim.
• If management discourages reporting or retaliates, contact Local 701 immediately.
• Tell your doctor it is a work-related injury.

What to Do if You Have an Accident

• Always notify the company, even for minor damage (e.g., a broken mirror). Failure to report can lead to termination.
• If anyone is injured, call for medical help and notify your steward.
• Do not leave the scene until police arrive.
• Take pictures and write down names, license plates, insurance info, location, and time.
• If a supervisor tells you to continue working after company-only damage, note the name, time, and instructions.

Back to Resources