Grievance Handling

Effectively Representing Your Members

What is a Grievance

A workplace violation A dispute between the union or a unit member and management

Is it a Gripe or A Grievance

Grounds for a grievance

The contract The Law & Education Codes District Rules and policies Past Practices

The Crucial Ws of Grievance Investigations

Who When Where What Why

Crucial Ws (cont.)
WHO is involved WHEN did it happen WHERE did it happen WHAT happened (EXACTLY)

Crucial Ws Continued

WHY is it grievable WHEN must the grievance be filed WHAT are the deadline dates WHAT must be done to make the grievant WHOLE

Guidelines for writing Grievances

The Situation

Who, what, when & where Why is it grievable What is needed to remedy the situation

The Contention

The Remedy

Grievance Levels Informal

An initial attempt to solve the problem at the lowest level. Usually consists of an informal meeting with the grievant,steward and management.

Grievance Levels Formal

Usually steps 1 thru 4 (depending on contract). Must be in writing. Includes through the Board level.

Grievance Levels Arbitration/Civil Court

Types of arbitration

Binding Recommendary Alternative forum of redress

Civil Court

Duty of Fair Representation

A Legal Responsibility
Union has a duty to represent all people included in the unit, regardless of membership. Union has a duty to investigate all grievance requests fairly. Union must have a basis for not pursuing a grievance.