Guide to Filing a Grievance

Grievances are best resolved as close to the source as possible. It is normally most appropriate for the grievant to seek informal resolution first, then for the steward to present the grievance to management. However, seek advice as necessary from the union staff!

This checklist is designed to guide stewards and other worksite leaders through investigating and presenting grievances. Investigate early in the process because a good investigation can cause early resolution. If you are familiar with the situation, it will be much easier to decide whether to continue or drop the grievance. Use the following checklist for all grievance situations:

The grievant should first have an informal conversation with the immediate supervisor who is involved.  This may be with assistance from your Union Steward if necessary.

The steward is encouraged to interview the grievant, management, and witnesses. Get written statements where possible.

Written notes of all interviews should be kept.

What is the contract violation.  What is the remedy?

Does the problem affect others in the workplace?  Who?

Decide whether filing a grievance is the best strategy for solving the problem. It may be that organizingworkers around the issue will also resolve the situation and will be more effective in the long run.

Review your own contract's grievance procedure. Pay close attention to time limits.

Request copies of all necessary information.

Check previous grievance settlements for precedents.

Anticipate management's arguments and prepare for them.

Outline what you will present so it will be less easy for management to distract you.

Review the case with the grievant so you are both prepared for the first meeting.

Keep track of the grievance process with the grievance record. Also, maintain a list of contract language changes we could work on during bargaining.

Keep supporting documents with the rest of the grievance file.

Any time you are considering proceeding to the next grievance level, assess the continuing merit of both the grievance and the remedy. Obtain any necessary additional information. Review this checklist each time you consider such an appeal.

The final step in the grievance procedure is Arbitration.  Before any grievance goes to arbitration, you must contact the union office. A decision will be made at that level regarding whether the grievance is appropriate for arbitration. Please be prepared to explain why a given grievance warrants going to arbitration.