The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has deferred its decision over the employment of ACT List candidate Shawn Tan.

Mr Tan, an organiser for the EPMU, has been suspended from his job for not seeking the union's permission before standing in the election.

Earlier this week Mr Tan was called into the group's Auckland headquarters for a two-and-half-hour disciplinary hearing. The union reserved its decision until today, but that has been put on hold as it seeks mediation.

Mr Tan's advocate Max Whitehead says they hope to be back around the table by the end of the week.