April 14, 2009
Warning Letters
At Dow Jones, the warning letter is a common creature, usually delivered by your manager during a disciplinary meeting. All IAPE-represented employees have the right to have a union representative present in any disciplinary meeting - or in any session where "disciplinary action may be discussed" with management.
You should always request Union representation for such meetings by either contacting your local Union Representative or calling the IAPE office at 609-275-6020.
According to your IAPE-negotiated contract, you must be provided with an additional copy of their warning to be forwarded to IAPE, if you choose. It is important that you respond to the company's warning with a WRITTEN response, which IAPE can help you prepare.
A WRITTEN response is your only chance to have your side of the story included in your personnel file. In the eyes of an arbitrator (in the event that a disciplinary dispute goes that far), a rebuttal letter has equal weight to a warning letter.
During your meeting with the company, don't allow yourself to become excited, angry or hostile. Do not engage in a debate or argument with management over the contents of a warning letter. While you might disagree with the assertions outlined in the warning letter, make your response in writing.
You have written - and enforceable - rights in the contract. As soon as you are notified of a disciplinary meeting, call the IAPE office (609-275-6020).