Your contract includes procedures to protect you from being treated unfairly or fired without good reason. It also protects you from discrimination or favoritism in the way work assignments, promotions, layoffs, or other issues are handled.

A complaint that the contract has been violated is called a "grievance." If you think management may have violated your rights, or if you have questions or problems regarding work, tell your steward. The steward and other local union leaders can answer your questions and help you figure out the best way to solve the problem.
 Sometimes that involves discussions with management. Sometimes it requires generating the support of other workers for a fair solution.

In addition to the protections provided in your teamster contract, federal and state laws provide important protection for all workers. Below are a few key rights that every member should be familiar with.

Weingarten Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that union members have the right to representation by their Stewards or Business Agents during conversations with supervisors that could potentially lead to discipline or termination. If you believe a conversation will be disciplinary in nature, follow these steps, referred to as the “Weingarten Rights” Read More

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) provides workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid and job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, or for any “qualifying exigency” arising out of the fact that a covered military member is on active duty. The FMLA applies to all private-sector employers with 50 or more workers. Read More

Safety and Health

You have the right to a workplace free of recognized health and safety hazards. Laws are in place to protect you from employers who put profit before the health and safety of workers. Read More

On the Job Injuries/Workers’ Compensation
Injured workers have specific rights under New York state workers' compensation law. As a union member, you may be entitled to additional benefits and protections in your collective bargaining agreement. Read More

Discrimination 

If you think you have been discriminated against because of your gender, race, ethnicity or national origin, you may file employment discrimination charges as an individual or as part of a group. Read More

Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment is illegal and no worker has to tolerate it. Sexual harassment is a form of illegal sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment is unwanted verbal or physical conduct. Read More