Insubordination

As a steward, you should know that insubordination is a refusal to obey some order which a superior is entitled to give and have obeyed. Further, it is a willful disregard of express or implied directions of the employer. (Black's Law Dictionary)

Six steps to consider when addressing situations of insubordination are:

1. Were the supervisor's instructions or orders clear?
   
   
2. Was the supervisor authorized to give the questioned orders, directives, or instructions, and did the involved employee understand that this supervisor was so authorized?
   
   
3. Did the affected employee understand that this supervisor was so authorized?
   
   
4. Was the employee clearly instructed by the person giving the "order" about the penalty or the possible and probable consequences for failure to comply?
   
   
5. Was there a clear refusal to perform the requested task or was there merely a protesting discussion or disrespectful attitude manifested?
   
   
6. Did the "order" require the affected employee to perform an illegal or immoral act or place the employee in immediate danger? As a steward, you should inform members who are given orders that do not reach this threshold to do it and grieve later otherwise they could face further disciplinary action.

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