Union Rights & Resources
Your membership in BLU comes with protections for you as an employee and for our workplace.
Weingarten Rights
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.
If you believe a meeting you are in is, or may turn, disciplinary in nature, say the following and then stop participating:
“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.”
The NLRB is an independent federal agency designed to safeguard employees’ right to a better workplace. You can learn more about the NLRB and the rights they safeguard on their website.
OSHA was created by Congress in 1970 to ensure safe working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Find information about our local office here.
BLU Resources
Welcome to BLU Guide
Created by our Membership & Communications Committees, this guide explains union basics, protections, and benefits specific to BLU. It also includes a guide to common phrases and vocabulary used by the union. This document is shared with all new hires. Updated documents are in progress.
Welcome to BPL Guide
Created by our Member & Communications Committees, this guide is designed to help new hires navigate their employment here at BPL, especially within the first six months. This document is shared with all new hires. Updated documents are in progress.
MLSA is a local of AFT, representing over 500 library staff across Massachusetts. BLU is a member of MLSA Local 4928. Visit their website to learn more about the ways they support BLU and bargaining units across the state.
BLU, through MLSA, 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.
AFT Member Benefits
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.
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.
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.
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.