Shop Stewards should make sure members understand that if any discussion with management, from a closed-door meeting to a discussion with a supervisor on the job, could lead to the possibility of discipline, they need to ask immediately for a Shop Steward or local officer. The request can be made at any point.

Ideally, a member should say something like: "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my Shop Steward be present. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions. This is my legal right."

Anything close to this statement will do. Any further attempt by a boss to ask questions is illegal until a steward arrives. If management denies a request for union representation, this is an unfair labor practice, and the member may refuse to answer any questions.