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

The Contention

Why is it grievable

The Remedy

What is needed to remedy the situation

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

Civil Court

Alternative forum of redress

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.