3. The rights of union reps and members

Reps employed in workplaces with union recognition have a legal right to reasonable paid time off to carry out trade union duties (see page 24). Reps and members also have rights to time off work for trade union activities (see page 26), although that doesn’t have to be paid for. These rights are derived from the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA).

When negotiating over facility time, negotiators should consider both the number of workers and how to maximise the number of shop stewards/reps. The general union Unite highlights evidence (from the 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Survey) that on average, union reps spent 13 hours per week on their role.

Facilities and time off should be allocated in a manner that is transparent, with as many shop stewards/reps able to make use of it as possible.