Tips for dealing with problems at work
Do not delay approaching your representative. The earlier you bring the case to your representative the more likely the case can be resolved informally and speedily.
Do keep notes and copies of all dates, letters and documents relating to the case. These will be important if the case takes time to resolve or has to be passed on to another representative or headquarters department for advice.
Do ensure you give your representative all the facts. At times you may have contributed to your own circumstance, but it is important that you are honest with your representative. What you tell your representative is in confidence but they must know everything, however damaging it may seem.
Do not assume they can move mountains. They may need to be honest with you and they don't have a magic wand. There is a vast resource of experience and expertise within the union that a representative can access with your permission.
Do be clear what your agreed objective is. The representative is there to act on your behalf and you should agree what actions they are to take.
Do not speak or write to management or anyone else about the case without your representative being aware in advance. This can hinder the progress your representative may be making.
Do remember that if you are asked to attend a disciplinary or grievance hearing then you have a legal right to be accompanied by your representative and you should use that right.
Do be patient. While you can expect your representative to deal with your case without undue delay, they may well have other cases and work impacting on their time. Similarly delays can often occur when management invoke formal procedures. Remember to keep in regular contact with your representative.
Do keep notes and copies of all dates, letters and documents relating to the case. These will be important if the case takes time to resolve or has to be passed on to another representative or headquarters department for advice.
Do ensure you give your representative all the facts. At times you may have contributed to your own circumstance, but it is important that you are honest with your representative. What you tell your representative is in confidence but they must know everything, however damaging it may seem.
Do not assume they can move mountains. They may need to be honest with you and they don't have a magic wand. There is a vast resource of experience and expertise within the union that a representative can access with your permission.
Do be clear what your agreed objective is. The representative is there to act on your behalf and you should agree what actions they are to take.
Do not speak or write to management or anyone else about the case without your representative being aware in advance. This can hinder the progress your representative may be making.
Do remember that if you are asked to attend a disciplinary or grievance hearing then you have a legal right to be accompanied by your representative and you should use that right.
Do be patient. While you can expect your representative to deal with your case without undue delay, they may well have other cases and work impacting on their time. Similarly delays can often occur when management invoke formal procedures. Remember to keep in regular contact with your representative.
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