Steering Committee Focuses on Union Rights Related to Disciplinary Investigations

The national Broadcast Steering Committee meeting on Oct. 9 featured an important instructional session on the rights union members have when questioned by management. The BSC chair is Cheri Preston of ABC News and the vice chair is Tracee Wilkins of NBC4 in Washington.

In 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in NLRB v. J. Weingarten Inc. that during a meeting with management, union members have the right to not answer questions without the presence of a union offcer or shop steward if the discussion could lead to discipline, termination or a change to working conditions.

Staff presented hypothetical scenarios and talked about specifc instances that members and staff have faced. They noted that it is the responsibility of employees to assert their rights in this area, so it’s important they be informed. Download and print your own Weingarten card at sagaftra.org/weingarten-card or clip out the one to the right.

The BSC meeting, which took place virtually, included a staff update on the work of the union on behalf of broadcasters, including the recently concluded negotiations for a first contract with WHYY in Philadelphia. The committee members also discussed returning to work in the offce, particularly the vaccine mandates and the other policies employers are putting into place to cope with the coronavirus.

The agenda continued with a focus on the entertainment side of broadcast, including sports, talk and music. Members want to ensure that these professionals are properly compensated for the work they are doing that wasn’t traditionally part of their job description, such as writing blogs, endorsements, appearing in videos or recording podcast content. The committee will explore the topic further in future sessions, as it gathers input from members.

The committee also commended SAG-AFTRA WashingtonMid Atlantic Local Executive Director Pat O’Donnell for her work on behalf of members and the successful conclusion of negotiations for a new NPR contract. The new agreement includes groundbreaking provisions related to diversity, equity and inclusion and nondisclosure agreements, among other provisions.

The Weingarten Card

Don’t let a meeting with management get out of hand. If you’re called in to explain why something went wrong, stop and think about your Weingarten Rights. By presenting this card to management, YOU may have the right to stop a meeting until your steward, assistant steward or a union rep arrives to accompany you.

This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine fall/winter 2021 issue.