Who Pays a union representative to attend a disciplinary hearing?

Answer 1

There is not a charge in my union for a representative to go to a hearing, I've never heard of that: hearing representation is part of being an officer... Is payment stipulated in your contract somewhere?

If you pay union dues this is usually covered by that, but if you participate in an "Open Shop" where union membership isn't cumpulsory and you chose not to belong there could be a fee for representation. you must refer to any bargaining agreement you and the union has with the employer. you pay union dues to have someone represent in a hearing if you belong to a union. In the case of an arbitration, the loser pays.

As a side note here the cost of an arbitration hearing is also covered by the union. Union's also have an attorney and a business agent on staff who's job it is to guide you and your local union through the process and will be there during arbitration hearings. All disciplinary hearings should be attended by a union rep who can get the grievance process started and is there to take notes. You can choose your own rep within your local union to attend with you but the employer has no obligation to call that rep in for you should there be one already on duty. I would advise you to also take notes of what happens during this hearing. During the disciplinary process it will all come down technicalities and be sure the time limits for grievances are followed and a smart union rep will know that he or she can halt the disciplinary hearing should a representative of the employer becomes harrassing. if this happens be sure it's noted and if the employer refuses to halt the meeting this is in violation of your rights and like i said it comes down to technicalities.