Join our FREE personalized newsletter for news, trends, and insights that matter to everyone in America

Newsletter
New

Suspended For Refusing To Answer Questions Without My Union Steward Present

Card image cap

location: Pennsylvania

I work at a private manufacturing plant and my position is covered by a union contract.

Yesterday my supervisor called me into an office with an HR manager. They said they were investigating whether I had skipped part of a required equipment inspection earlier in the week. HR said they had not made a disciplinary decision yet and wanted me to explain what happened.

I asked for my union steward before answering anything. My supervisor said this was "an investigation, not a grievance" and that I didn't have a right to bring the steward into it. I repeated that I wanted representation and said I wouldn't answer questions without someone from the union there.

They ended the meeting and sent me home. Today I was told I'm suspended for two shifts for insubordination because I refused to cooperate with the investigation.

The steward says management handled this wrong and wants to challenge it.

Can they legally discipline me specifically for refusing to answer those questions after I requested union representation?

submitted by /u/PortalRogue3
[link] [comments]