One of the most important responsibilities of a steward when representing a member at a disciplinary conference is to know the employee handbook and the MDOC employee disciplinary policy. Proper representation and documentation are crucial to preventing discipline from being assessed, and successfully grieving the action. You won't always win because employee misconduct does occur. Often it is frustrating because administrators may have their mind made up about what action they are going to take regardless of what you have to say. But you still have a crucial job to do. Your purpose is to ensure the contract is followed and to safeguard the due process rights of our members. Help the grievant tell their side of the story, keep records on their position and yours, and gather information to be used in the grievance process if necessary.

This section contains information on how to defend a member in a discipline case, including what is required of the employer to uphold discipline. Become familiar with Article 10 of the contract as it outlines the procedures and rights of employees in disciplinary matters.