Disciplinary action against union representatives

Disciplinary action against union reps should not be dealt with under the employer’s normal disciplinary procedure but should be covered by a special procedure. Acas advises that “disciplinary action against a trade union official can lead to a serious dispute if it is seen as an attack on the union’s functions.” For this reason, while normal disciplinary standards should apply, no action beyond an oral warning should be taken until the case is discussed with a senior union rep or full-time official.