In his most recent book, Robert Schwartz, Sensei of the modern Labor Samurai, finally took his original work, The Legal Rights of Union Stewards, and filled in the missing sections, completing the picture.

While Legal Rights is a masterpiece of Union tradition and technology, which delegates from around the world use daily at the workshop, it was seriously lacking in detailed information on the basics of dismissal, discipline and ways to counter it. .

Just Cause begins with the principles of just cause, insubordination, and off-duty misconduct. Dishonesty, sleeping on the job, and sexual harassment along with other crimes round out the crimes, but it doesn’t stop there. Schwartz not only regurgitates the same old rhetoric about the “seven just cause tests,” but goes further by providing the reader with a much more practical set of tests that includes tenants of due process, substantial evidence, and mitigating circumstances. Later chapters deal with advice on making complaints, requesting information and organizing support for complainants.

As with his previous books, Schwartz provides practical, real-world knowledge for the hard-working Joe Steward, as well as the working professional.

Again, footnotes and endnotes are provided to direct readers to relevant arbitral awards and court decisions, as well as a “Questions and Answers” section at the end of each chapter.

In addition to the sardonic illustrations, you’ll find an appendix of sample contract language, an appendix of basic principles of just cause, and finally an appendix of the original Daugherty Exhibits (the seven original exhibits of just cause).

I found it easy to understand and digest. It really got into the thick of things without getting bogged down in the legal gibberish you get from most books written by lawyers. This book is designed and written to be read and used in the shop by the men and women who write, file, and process complaints.

Priced at just $20.00 plus shipping, this 174-page powerhouse is well worth the price. I recommend you buy two, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll be borrowing one before you know it.

Labor Rights Press
PO Box 391066
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
http://www.workrightspress.com

Mr. Schwartz has also published the FMLA Handbook, How to Win Grievances and Past Practices Strikes, Pickets and House Campaigns. All are available to order through his website mentioned above.

Enjoy!