UFCW Local 1496
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  • Member Resources
    • Welcome New Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Your Rights
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  • Organizing
    • Unionizing with UFCW
    • Start a Union!
  • Meeting Schedule
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Executive Board
    • Shop Stewards
  • Contact Your Rep
  • Member Resources
    • Welcome New Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Your Rights
    • Active Ballot Club
  • Organizing
    • Unionizing with UFCW
    • Start a Union!
  • Meeting Schedule
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Executive Board
    • Shop Stewards
As a Union member, the federal law guarantees certain workplace rights. It is impetrative to learn and know your Union rights, as this knowledge may save your job. 

Weingarten Rights

Weingarten rights allow unionized employees to have a Union Representative present during any investigatory interview that they reasonably believe could lead to disciplinary action.  
As a Union Member, you are entitled to this right. 
If you feel a discussion with management could lead to being disciplined or terminated, ask the interviewer "Do I need my Union Representative?"
Remember! 
Your employer is not required to provide you with a Union Rep. It is your responsibility to contact your Union Rep.
​By proceeding with the interview without a Rep, you waive your right to representation and any statement made can be used against you. 
Contact Your Rep
⚠️
​
DO NOT
answer additional questions or sign anything until your Union Rep is present! 

Ask a Rep for their card!

The next time you see your union rep, ask them for their card! 
A rep's card will have everything you need to contact them and on the back of every card is the full Weingarten Rights text.
"I refuse to submit to this interrogation because I fear that I will suffer severe discipline or termination of my employment and I demand my right to have Union Representation present on my behalf before this proceeding continues and if my demand is not acknowledged, then I refuse to participate in this process. 
Or, you may simply say "I want my Union Rep present." 

Protect Your Job

​At times, the Local’s Union Representatives are confronted with trying to defend Members for reasons that are unfortunately, indefensible. Meaning, with proper evidence, the Local cannot defend you. Actions such as those listed below are NEVER defensible in any workplace. As these actions can lead to discipline, or worse, termination.
 ⚠️Eating Unpaid Product (or not having a sales receipt) 
Always buy before you consume, wear, or use product – and ALWAYS keep your receipt! Do not give the employer any reason to accuse you.

⚠️️ ​Grazing 
Excessive ‘sampling’ of products can be classified as theft 
⚠️Discounting Product and/or Setting Product aside for yourself, family, or friends 
All product, especially markdowns, must be put on the sales floor for the customers to purchase. Actively withholding product, or applying discounts for your own benefit will get you in trouble! You may make purchases off the clock. 
⚠️Possession of Weapons, Knives, or Firearms 
You WILL be terminated for possessing real (or fake) weapons on the workplace premises at any time, on or off the clock.
⚠️Bullying, Harassment, Threats, or Acts of Violence ​
Do not bully, harass, or make threats to customers, co-workers, or supervisors, even if you ‘don’t mean it’. It is still against company policy. 
​⚠️Time Clock Violations 
Do not clock in late and stay later (unless approved by a manager) working on unapproved time can be a violation. Work your scheduled shift! And do not work off the clock.
⚠️consumption of Drugs and/or Alcohol 
Do not consume alcohol or controlled substances on company property, at any time.
Do not report to work while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. Though marijuana is legal, the use of it in the workplace is still against company policy  
⚠️Time Theft 
Clocking in and not reporting to your workstation immediately can be considered ‘stealing time’. Do not visit, socialize, or conduct personal business while on the clock. Do not take unapproved/ extended breaks, and do not leave the property while clocked in. 
⚠️Stealing Company Product, Property, Money ​
Company provided supplies and equipment are ‘company property’, do not steal or misuse company property for personal uses. Do not steal money from the registers!
 UFCW1496
501 W. Northern Lights Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
907-258-1496
1-800-478-1496