🧑‍🏭 Union Representatives & Business Agents: Who They Are and How They Help

Every warehouse represented by the union is supported by a team of four Union Representatives — fellow employees who serve as trained advocates and watchdogs for workers' rights. Their role is critical in ensuring fairness, transparency, and support in the workplace.

👥 What Do Union Representatives Do?

Union Representatives are on-site coworkers elected or appointed to:

• Support employees in understanding their contract rights
  
  

• Attend meetings with management when requested by an employee
  
  

• Review disciplinary actions (write-ups) for validity and consistency
  
  

• Act as a first line of communication between workers and union leadership
  
  

⚖️ Your Right to Representation

Under U.S. labor law, you have the right to request a Union Representative be present during any meeting with management that may lead to discipline. This is known as your Weingarten Right. If you invoke this right:

• Management must pause the meeting until a representative is present
  
  

• The representative can witness, advise, and advocate on your behalf
  
  

This protection ensures you are never left to face disciplinary discussions alone.

📝 Monitoring Fairness and Accountability

Union Representatives help ensure that:

• Any write-ups or disciplinary actions are based on clear facts
  
  

• Discipline is applied equitably across employees, not selectively or unfairly
  
  

• Management decisions follow the terms of the contract or agreement
  
  

If something doesn’t seem right, your rep is the first person you should speak to.

📣 What About Business Agents?

While Union Representatives are your on-site support team, the Business Agent is a full-time union employee responsible for:

• Handling serious or escalated issues
  
  

• Engaging directly with management on behalf of employees
  
  

• Visiting warehouses to check in, answer questions, and ensure union rights are being upheld
  
  

Your Union Reps can bring issues to the Business Agent if further support is needed — you’re never on your own.

✅ When to Contact Your Union Rep

You should reach out to a Union Representative if:

• You’re unsure about your rights or the contract
  
  

• You’re called into a meeting with management
  
  

• You receive a write-up or disciplinary notice
  
  

• You notice unfair treatment at work
  
  

• You need to escalate an issue to the Business Agent
  
  

Union Representatives are here to protect your voice, your rights, and your job security. They're not just helpful — they’re essential.