Working with trade unions: employers
Rights of employees in trade unions
If you recognise a union, it will normally name one or more of your workers as its local workplace representatives (‘reps’).
Union reps have certain rights. They’re allowed reasonable time off work:
- with pay for union duties and training at appropriate times
- without pay to take part in union activities, for example the union’s annual conference (trade union members are entitled to this as well)
Reasonable time off does not have to be taken as annual leave.
Block lists
You cannot discriminate against anyone because they’re in the union or because of their union activity.
With rare exceptions, it’s also illegal to compile, use, sell or supply a ‘block list’ of union members that will be used to discriminate against them.