Protects the right of employees, upon request, to have their representative present during an interview that the employee reasonably believes could lead to discipline. Managers are not required to inform or remind you of this right prior to the start of the meeting. Please contact a Board member for a card with your Weingarten rights to keep in your wallet or desk. Click here for more information.

Rights & Resources

Weingarten Rights

“If this discussion could lead in any way to me being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without union representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”

If you believe a meeting you are in is, or may turn, disciplinary in nature, say the following:

AFT-MA Benefits

PSA is affiliated with the umbrella union American Federation of Teachers. AFT represents educators as well as other professionals in school and higher education, healthcare professionals, public employees, and more. Click on the topics below to learn more about them. You can find a full-list of benefits offered to members here.

Enjoy discounts on hotel bookings, airfare through Southwest Airlines, car rentals, theme parks, shopping, and more.

Access and discounts for auto, home, life, pet, and long term care insurances as well as trauma counseling and more.

Access to mortgage programs, discounts on moving truck rentals, and more.

Access to personal loans, credit and budget counseling, assistance with personal legal matters, and more.

These AFT-paid trauma counseling sessions with highly trained therapists are completely private. They are free and available to all active working members, including those on leave status.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program for people who work full time in the public sector. AFT offers regular debt clinics that you can register for here.

Other Resources

Created by our Communications Committee, this guide explains union basics, protections, and benefits specific to PSA. It also includes a guide to common phrases and vocabulary used by the union. Read or download this document here.

Welcome to PSA Guide

Created by our Communications Committee, this guide is designed to help new hires navigate their employment here at BPL, especially within the first six months. Read or download this document here.

Welcome to BPL Guide

The NLRB is an independent federal agency designed to safeguard employees’ right to a better workplace. You can learn more about the NLRB here and more about the rights they safeguard here.

National Labor Relations Board

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA was created by Congress in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Learn more about what OSHA does here and find information about our local office here.

Massachusetts Library Staff Association (MLSA)

The Massachusetts Library Staff Association is a local of AFT, representing over 500 library staff across Massachusetts. PSA is a member of MLSA Local 4928. Learn more about MLSA and how they help to support our union efforts here.