PSE 1127

Building Representative Guide

Purpose of the Building Representative

The Building Representative serves as the primary union contact at their site. This role is both structured and supportive. Building Reps help protect member rights, ensure the contract is followed, and connect members to the Executive Board when needed.

Core Responsibilities

As a Building Representative, you will:

• Email meeting minutes and union updates to members in your building

• Attend monthly Building Rep meetings whenever possible

• Maintain the union bulletin board

• Maintain a current membership list and report changes promptly

• Notify the Board Secretary by September 30 that you are serving as Building Rep, including:

  • Name

  • Cell or home phone

  • Personal email address

  • School/site represented

(See Bylaws, Article IV, Section 1)

First Point of Contact

If a situation arises at a building site, members should first speak with their Building Representative.

The Building Rep:

• Listens and advises

• Helps determine whether the Executive Board needs to be involved

• Keeps conversations confidential

(See Bylaws, Article I, Section 5)

Representation in Meetings (Weingarten Rights)

If a member is called into a meeting that may result in discipline, they have the right to union representation.

During the meeting, the Building Rep should:

• Take notes

• Ask clarifying questions

• Request copies of referenced documents

• Request a sidebar or caucus if needed

Before the meeting, encourage the member to:

• Be honest

• Answer questions directly

• Avoid volunteering unnecessary information

All information provided becomes part of the record. Remember, anything sent by district email can be read by any member of the administration.

Members:

• Do not have to sign documents without representation present

• May request time to review documents, even if this means scheduling a second meeting with administration

• Are entitled to copies of anything they sign

The Executive Board is available for support at any time.

Helpful overview video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8-gmmx9eXI&t=31s⁠�

When Members Have Questions or Concerns

Review the contract first. The answer is often there.

Speak with administration if appropriate.

If unresolved, contact a Board member.

Follow-through matters. Every member deserves a response, even if the outcome is not what they hoped for.