How to Discipline a Union Member

Author: Shannon C. Johnson

Union members enjoy the extra layer of protection provided by the collective bargaining agreement. Yet, this layer is not impenetrable. Where a non-union member can often be fired for any reason or even no reason, if an employee is protected by a collective bargaining agreement, an employer must establish "just cause" for any discipline or termination actions. Most collective bargaining agreements include specific procedural guidelines for employers seeking to impose discipline against a union member.