Every new hire deserves to understand not just their job, but the community standing beside them. WPEA’s Union Orientation is where that understanding begins.

Union orientation connects each member to the bigger picture—how our contracts are built, who enforces them, and what rights protect us at work. We explain how federal, state, and contract rights layer together, and how collective action gives those rights meaning.

The session introduces you to the people who make that possible:

• Member Leaders, your first stop for questions or guidance.
• Stewards, who can represent you in meetings and help enforce your rights.
• Staff Representatives, full-time professionals whose job is to ensure your voice is protected, even when the employer pushes back.

You’ll also learn how dues work. At WPEA, 1.25% of your pay plus a small base contribution funds our seven staff reps, legal support, arbitration costs, website and training programs, mailings, and community-building efforts. When more members contribute, our representation grows stronger, faster, and more local.

We cover your core rights:

• Weingarten Rights, which allow you to have union representation in any meeting that could result in discipline.
• Expanded Rights, which include meetings about working conditions or changes to your job duties.
• Leave Rights, including sick, vacation, and personal leave, and what to do if requests are denied.
• Position Reviews and Pay, ensuring your pay reflects the work you perform.
• Worksite Safety and Scheduling, including meal and rest breaks, closures, and overtime rules.

Orientation also explains your collective bargaining process—how member volunteers negotiate contracts, why participation matters, and how you can help shape future agreements. The power of our union depends on how well we coordinate and how many voices we bring to the table.

If you haven’t attended yet, visit our non-member page to watch the recorded orientation video. Let’s Get Oriented!

Prefer a live conversation? You can book a live orientation session from that same page. These sessions are great for new members, returning members, or anyone who wants a refresher.

After watching, bring your questions to UNITY next week—Wednesday at 12 PM, 5 PM, or 6 PM. UNITY meetings are open spaces for discussion where we dive deeper into workplace concerns, organizing, and action planning.

Union orientation is more than a training. It’s where you discover that your voice has power, your coworkers have your back, and your union is what you make it. Every contract article, every workplace victory, and every improvement we win starts with members who took the time to understand how it all works.

Your rights are real. Your union is here. Let’s put both to work for you.