NBPC Local 2366 - Del Rio, Texas

Weingarten Rights

Right to Union Representation for Bargaining Unit Employees of the US Border Patrol

In 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Federal employees have the right to union representation at investigative interviews. NLRB vs. Weingarten, Inc. 420 U.S. 251. These rights have become known as the Weingarten rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court held that, under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), employees have the right to union representation at an interview when the employee reasonably believes his or her statement may result in disciplinary action.[1]

It is an unfortunate impression maintained by some members of the Service that the Union is an anti-management organization. Although it may appear at times that the endeavors of the Union are anti-management, combating management is not the purpose of the Union but rather a manifestation of our true purpose. That true purpose is to insure the continual fair treatment of the Agent.

The chief responsibility of a Union steward is to represent the interests of Union members. Whether representing the Local as a whole or an individual member in a disciplinary action, the premise is the same. The Union acts as the intermediaries between the agents and management, and attempts to provide fair treatment to the agents.

January, 28th 2008

To: All Union Members

SUBJECT: Clarification regarding the situation of Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime

Del Rio Sector management, as well as Laredo Sector and El Paso Sector, has decided to go to a four shift rotation. This limited change is in contrast to the first impressions given, that the decision to go to a four shift rotation encompassed the entire United States. There are many who have made an effort to blame the Union for this alteration, but there are certain facts that all should be made aware of prior to placing blame.