Filing a Grievance

 

Rights and Responsibilities of Members Filing Grievances

Many, if not most of our members, work everyday without incident or work place issues; however, a significant number of members experience problems that are serious and upsetting. It is unfortunate when problems occur, but you can be assured that IFPTE Local 21 will be there to help you if you experience problems.

Local 21 Stewards and Staff Representatives are trained and seasoned in assisting Local 21 members in all our chapters with disciplinary problems and cases where one of our contracts is violated or misinterpreted. Our contracts vary by jurisdiction as do the grievance procedures within the contracts. However, our commitment to provide you the very best representation is consistent and an important benefit of Local 21 membership in all our jurisdictions.

Please Note: although grievance procedures vary, they all contain time limits. You should not delay in letting the union know if you believe there is an issue that might constitute a grievance.

We encourage all our members to read their contract, study the grievance procedure, and take a moment to read the following summary of your grievance related rights and responsibilities.


As a member of IFPTE Local 21 covered by a collective bargaining agreement and other rules and regulations, you have rights and responsibilities regarding filing grievances.

 

Your rights include:

  • Get assistance from an IFPTE Local 21 steward and/ or staff representative when discipline is taken against you or there are violations of the contract or other work problems.
  • Have the steward and/ or staff representative do a full and fair investigation of the situation.
  • Once the investigation is complete to receive a thorough explanation of your options.
  • If the union determines that there are not sufficient grounds to file a grievance, the basis for that decision will be fully explained to you.
  • Appeal the decision not to file a grievance to the Local 21 Executive Director.
  • If a grievance is filed to have it prepared and presented in a professional manner.
  • Get copies of grievances filed as well as correspondence and paperwork relevant to your case.
  • Be kept informed about the progress of your case.
  • Have your confidential information kept confidential by the union.
  • Be fully consulted before the union makes any settlement on your grievance.
  • Be consulted and informed about decisions to move the grievance to higher steps or arbitration.

 


Your responsibilities include:

  • Learning your rights under the contract and promptly reporting problems or contract violations to a union steward or staff representative.
  • When appropriate, attempting to informally resolve the situation yourself with your supervisor and union steward.
  • Signing the grievance form and clearly identifying the resolution you desire.
  • Providing all the facts, documents and names of potential witnesses with knowledge of your case.
  • Being completely honest with the union about the case.
  • Assisting the union with researching your case when requested to do so.
  • Making the grievance a group grievance and/ or working with your co-workers to take actions to support your case, if appropriate.
  • Keeping the union informed of all developments relevant to your case.
  • Making no side agreements.

 

Please contact your Staff Representative/Organizer with any questions.