Town of Hudson v. Labor Relations Commission

# Town of Hudson v. Labor Relations Commission ## What Happened A police officer in Hudson, Massachusetts faced a disciplinary investigation by the town. The officer wanted union representation at the meeting, specifically requesting that a union attorney serve as their representative—known as a "Weingarten representative." The Town of Hudson refused to allow the attorney to attend, insisting the officer could only bring a union member without legal training. ## What the Court Decided The Massachusetts appellate court sided with the Labor Relations Commission, ruling that the town violated labor law by denying the officer's request. The court affirmed that workers have the right to choose their representative at investigatory interviews, including union attorneys. ## Why This Matters for Workers This case protects an important worker right: having a meaningful say in who represents you during serious workplace meetings. If you face discipline or investigation, you can request a trained union representative, including a lawyer, without your employer blocking that choice. This ensures workers have adequate support when their job is at risk.