This document discusses the grievance handling process for a union. It defines a grievance as a workplace violation or dispute between the union or member and management. It outlines the key details ("W" questions) to investigate for a grievance such as who, when, where, what, and why. It provides guidelines for writing grievances including describing the situation, contention, and remedy. It also explains the informal and formal grievance levels, arbitration/court options, and the union's duty of fair representation to its members.

1. Grievance Handling
Effectively Representing Your
Members

2. What is a Grievance
 A workplace violation
 A dispute between the union or a unit
member and management

3. Is it a Gripe or A Grievance
 Grounds for a grievance
 The contract
 The Law & Education Codes
 District Rules and policies
 Past Practices

4. The Crucial “W”s of Grievance
Investigations
Who
When
Where
What
Why

5. Crucial “W”s (cont.)
 WHO is involved
 WHEN did it happen
 WHERE did it happen
 WHAT happened (EXACTLY)

6. Crucial “W”s 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

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. Grievance Levels
Arbitration/Civil Court
 Types of arbitration
 Binding
 Recommendary
 Civil Court
 Alternative forum of redress

11. 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.