Can management suspend me for borderline insubordination?

Question

I have been suspended without pay for the past three days from work. My human resources manager said that I was being suspended until further notice for borderline insubordination. I told her that I had not committed any insubordination as defined in my union contract. She said that insubordination not only dealt with refusing to follow a command but that it also has to do with a person's attitude in relation to the matter. I told her that I disagreed. She said that me hanging up the phone on her and refusing to call her back the next morning when she called me are borderline insubordination. Well just to clarify those two things now. My human resources manager called me from work. Part way through the conversation she got upset and started threatening me. Because I didn't have any union rep in the room with her, I interrupted her and told her that she was no longer allowed to talk to me. I told her that the conversation was over, I set the record straight about some things that she had said and then I hung up on her. I called into work and talked to a first shift union rep to make him aware of the situation. He said that someone would check into it and get back with me. He advised me not to deal with management without a union rep being present in the future. I agreed. the next morning the human resources lady left me a voicemail while I was working out at the gym. She asked me to call her as soon as possible. She said that it was imperative that I talk to her as soon as possible. I never called her back. I didn't think much of her call. I honestly thought that it it was a big deal, then she would call back and leave me a more detailed message or that I would just find out about it at work. Well, I found out about it all right. When I walked into work I had people standing there waiting to walk me out. I was told that I was being suspended for insubordination. I was in total shock. So, is there any way that my human resources manager can get away with this? What can I do to help myself in this matter? Thanks in advance for your input.

Update:

* typo above. I meant to type that I honestly DIDN'T think that the phone call was a big deal. Sorry for the confusion.

Update 2:

Baking in the las vegas heat: I obviously do want to work seeings how I have been working at my job for over four years now. If you knew anything about unions and how they work then you would understand that management can't discipline a employee without a union rep being present. Yes, commone sense tells you to return a phone call from work. But my union rep told me not to have any further contact with management without a rep being present in order to protect myself. Don't you think that she could have called again and left a detailed message if it was so important?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Yes.

Sounds like it is time for you to take an anger management course and a chill-pill.  Your manager can "get away with it."  

You are still living in the 70's when unions had more power.  

Thank you for the little scolding about how we don't know how unions work, but I think I know quite a bit more about collective bargaining agreements and union contracts than you, Toots.  If you know everything, why are you asking people here?

You are in line for a rude awakening.  Sorry.

O · Answer

It looks like you belong to the union, there is a union representative, you have been talking with the rep.  What does the rep say?  A few questions that you might ask:

Under what circumstances, if any, can you tell your manager that she cannot talk with you?   How can you do it in a way that helps your relationship with your manager and helps your career?

May you ever "set straight" your manager?  And, if yes, how and when can you do it to make it a positive event in your work with that manager?

How can you possibly deal with management only when the rep is present?  The rep cannot be with you all your work hours.  

How can you work where you need a rep with you at all times you interact with your boss?

Perhaps you might well re-consider where you are working and how you can best relate to management. Good luck!

Baking in the Las Vegas heat · Answer

This is why you have union reps. But for future reference, if any manager tells you to call them, do it. Somewhere along the way you still need to use common sense as well as your union rep.
I hope you never work for me, as it seems like you don't want to work or follow instruction.

donotbuyakia · Answer

You didn't hang up on her.  You informed her you were ending the conversation, which is the equivalent of saying good bye.  The only thing you can do is contact your union rep, which you have done.  Wait and see what they can do for you.  And when they let you back to work, behave yourself so that you don't have to deal with this person in the future.

Joe Blough · Answer

Do you know your union bylaws, and the bargaining agreement?
Management isn't supposed to do any reprimanding without representation, in fact I don't think your steward had enough info. you need to file a grievance,talk to your steward, that's what you pay dues for, that's why we have unions, corporations look at employee's as "property", not people, don't let them get away with it.

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Can management suspend me for borderline insubordination?

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