Why do minor deviations from labor contract procedures overturn otherwise justified disciplinary ...

Chef supervisors who operate in a union environment have to take extra care when disciplining
team members. Binding labor contracts set forth rules and procedures that must be followed and
set penalties on management and workers for failing to abide by the rules. Even minor deviations
from labor contract procedure can overturn an otherwise justified disciplinary action. With these
contracts there is usually a provision for impartial review or an arbitration process. Additionally,
with union-organized establishments workers often have an increased awareness of their rights
that may cause individuals to challenge the chef supervisor's disciplinary decisions. This does
not mean that any form of discipline is impossible under union contracts. On the contrary, it may
be easier. The nature of collective bargaining requires both union and management to be rigid
and specific about rules and procedures.