Must my disciplinary process always be a verbal warning, a written warning and then a suspension?

Although many employers have adopted progressive discipline as standard, you need to follow your own policies and procedures. If your policy mandates the disciplinary steps above, you should follow the process. For union employees, you also may be required to follow certain steps, as outlined in the bargaining agreement.

Your policy should provide some latitude for disciplinary action. For instance, you would not want to be bound by a verbal warning, then a written warning if the employee had engaged in a violent act that jeopardized the safety of your employees. In developing your discipline policies, be sure that the employer retains the right to take any action deemed