A member was given less than 24 hours notice of a fact-finding meeting and didn't have time to find a Shop Steward. Does she still need to attend the meeting?
Yes, she should attend the meeting, but she can do a few things first.
The member can start by telling the employer that she wants a Shop Steward with her at the meeting and that she hasn’t been given enough time to find one. The member can then respectfully request that the meeting be postponed.
If that request is denied and she is directed to attend the meeting without a Shop Steward, she should go to the meeting, take notes on everything said, and be sure to contact the Union after the meeting with her notes.
If the employer refuses to allow a reasonable amount of time to secure a Union representative, the Union can challenge any discipline that ensues. However, refusing to attend a meeting the Employer has directed a member to attend is considered insubordination and could lead to even more discipline.