HOW TO FILE A GRIEVANCE

If you feel your Employer has violated the Collective Agreement or is somehow treating you unfairly then you may want to file a grievance.

Talk to your supervisor if there is a problem and try to resolve it.

If the problem continues discuss the situation with your Steward or Union  Representative. If it is decided that there has been a violation of the    Collective Agreement or government statute or regulation then a grievance  will be filed.

Read your Collective Agreement so you understand the grievance procedure. Each agreement may be different. Pay particular attention to the time requirements for filing a grievance.

Your Steward or Union Representative will help fill out the written grievance once the proper research has been conducted. It will usually be  your responsibility to give it to your immediate supervisor.

In most cases you will be required to meet with your Union Representative   prior to meeting with the Employer to discuss the grievance. It is    important from the very beginning that the grievance and any subsequent   discussions be based on fact and a clear understanding of the   interpretation and application of the Collective Agreement. Your Union   Representative will advise you on the protocol of the meeting.
 
 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE GRIEVANCE ARBITRATION PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER:

• "Work now grieve later". This means you must follow the directions and instructions of your supervisor until your grievance is decided.
• Remember your right to have a Union Representative present during any disciplinary meeting.
• Be sure to document everything. If it is not practicable to take notes at the time be sure to do so at the earliest possible moment. Remember  What, When, Why, How and Who. Take the names of other employees who may know important information. Write the date and time the notes were taken.
• Conduct yourself in a respectful manner when discussing a grievance with management.
• Never agree to anything you are not sure of without first consulting with your Union Representative and under no circumstances should you sign anything.
• The Union can best represent you when it is aware of all the facts. There is no such thing as an insignificant fact.
• Keep your Union Representative informed of any new developments or information.
• When in doubt ask.

MEMBERS OF CWA 32048 SHOULD CONTACT THEIR UNION REPRESENTATIVE IF THEY HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON HOW TO FILE A GRIEVANCE.

Visit our section on Employment and Labour Law Research for help with the preparation and processing of grievances.

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Communications Workers of America, Local 30248
"The Peterborough Typographical Union"
"Chartered in 1902"

681 Romaine St
Peterborough, Ont. 
K9J 2E6
Tel: 705-749-0198 
Tel: 1-800-291-9072 (Ontario) 
Fax: 705-749-6840