Unpaid time off for union activities

All members of recognised unions, not just representatives, are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off to take part in trade union activities, except for industrial action (section 170, TULRCA). This includes shift workers attending trades council and union branch meetings. In Luce v LB Bexley [1990] IRLR 422, the EAT ruled that there was no right to time off to lobby Parliament over legislation that was not specific to the workers concerned.

The Acas Code on Time off for trade union duties and activities gives some examples of “activities” such as attending workplace meetings for reps to report on negotiations, meeting full-time officers to discuss relevant issues, voting in union elections and accessing the services of a union learning rep.