---
title: What is Union Representation?
description: Learn how Montana municipalities manage probationary periods and union rights. Understand termination rules, evaluations, and the Weingarten Rule for representation.
---

[Skip to content](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-union-representation#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

[![LGC Color-1](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-1.png)](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

[Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [MSU Extension Local Government Center](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base?hsLang=en)
2. [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms?hsLang=en)

January 12, 2026

# What is Union Representation?

## Probationary Periods and Union Representation in Montana Municipal Employment

Different employees may have different disciplinary processes/steps/procedures if they are covered by a collective. All employees will serve a \[INSERT TIME\] month probationary period. \[PROBATIONARY PERIODS FOR POLICE/FIRE WILL DIFFER—list what their probationary period is\]. The probationary period allows time for the employee to learn the position as well as time for the supervisor to evaluate an employee’s potential and performance. During the established probationary period, \[CITY/TOWN\] reserves the right to terminate an employee with or without cause. An evaluation will be completed prior to completion of the period to notify the employee of their status (regular, terminated or extended probation when applicable). Montana Municipal Officials Handbook 96 bargaining agreement and may need to be disciplined in different ways. Municipalities should be aware of, and utilize, the disciplinary steps provided in the collective bargaining agreements. If employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement believe that meeting with a supervisor or being questioned during an investigation may result in disciplinary action against them, they have the right to have a union representative at the meeting. Employees should be afforded a reasonable time to obtain a representative if they would like to have one at a meeting. This right is called the Weingarten Rule. It is recommended that management have a witness in the room.Employees should also be advised that failure to cooperate in an investigation when being compelled to do so could result in discipline up to and including termination.

- [FAQs](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides?hsLang=en)
- [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Voter Review](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#voter-review)
- [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms?hsLang=en)
- [Product or service descriptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/product-or-service-descriptions?hsLang=en)
- [Online Courses](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/online-courses?hsLang=en)

- [LGC Services and Pricing](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/service-and-pricing)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)
- [Ask the LGC Team a Question](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2_ory1YLOQQe3qA3hzpNAkg)

[![LGC Color-2](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-2.png "LGC Color-2")](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Copyright © 2026