GRIEVANCE BASICS I Getting Started

Grievance – Five Step Approach

  Investigation   Identification   Documentation   Preparation   Presentation

Grievance Categories

  Violation of the Contract   Violation of Past Practice   Violation of Fair Treatment   Violation of Federal, State or Local Law   Violation of Management Rules and Responsibilities.

Grievance – Narrow Scope

  Grievances are defined as disputes arising between the employer and employees or between the Employer and the Union with respect to the interpretation and application of the terms of the agreement.

  A grievance is defined as any dispute which arises regarding an interpretation, application, or alleged violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement. A grievance may be filed by an Employee covered by this Agreement, individually or through the Association, or by the Association.

Grievance – Broader Scope

  Grievances are defined as disputes arising between the employer and employees or between the Employer and the Union with respect to the interpretation and application of the one or more of the following: terms of the agreement; past practice; state, federal or local labor laws; personnel policies.

Early Resolution Considerations

  Members see results quickly   Justice delayed is justice denied   Building relationship with counterpart   Written Grievance results in posturing and

inflexibility   Issues that could be resolved become costly if not

settled.   Act like an advocate! Think like an arbitrator

Saying No to the Potential Grievant

  Don’t Put it off   Worked is first to know   Explain the issue fully   Acknowledge worker’s feelings   Explain pitfalls   Offer other ways to help

Grievance Interviewing

  Who?   What?   Where?   When?   Why?

Keep Notes Because

  Advocate won’t remember even using active listening

  The records will be used by others later   Allows advocate to compare conflicting accounts of

the situation   Demonstrates advocate is responsible and thorough   Use forms if available and fill in the answers

Next Class Topics

  Identification of Grievance   Writing Grievances   Precedents   Grievance Negotiation Strategies   Asking Questions   Hazards of doing nothing