The Role of the Companion during the Disciplinary and Grievance Process

5. Training and time off for acting as a companion.

Trade unions should ensure that their officials are trained in the role of acting as an employee’s companion.  Even when a trade union official has experience of acting in the role, there may still be a need for periodic refresher training.  

A worker who has agreed to accompany a colleague employed by the same employer is entitled to take a reasonable amount of paid time off to fulfil that responsibility.  This should cover the hearing and it is also good practice to allow time for the companion to familiarise themselves with the case and confer with the worker before and after the hearing.  A lay trade union official is permitted to take a reasonable amount of paid time off to accompany a worker at a hearing, as long as the worker is employed by the same employer.  In cases where a lay official agrees to accompany a worker employed by another organisation, time off is a matter for agreement by the parties concerned.