A Grievance is a formal complaint filed by a worker or a group of workers when they believe that their rights under the collective agreement have been violated by the employer. Let’s break it down:
- Definition:
- A grievance arises from any difference related to:
- Interpretation: Disagreements about how the collective agreement should be understood.
- Application: Issues with how the agreement is put into practice.
- Administration: Problems related to the management of the agreement.
- Alleged Violation: Instances where the employer has acted unjustly, improperly, or unreasonably.
- Essentially, it’s a formal way to address workplace disputes.
- A grievance arises from any difference related to:
- Process:
- When a worker feels their rights have been infringed upon, they initiate the grievance process.
- The goal is to seek resolution through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
- CUPE Local 933 provides a systematic process for filing grievances, often using a fillable grievance form.
- This form documents details such as the violation, desired action, and resolution sought.
- Steps:
- The grievance process typically involves several steps:
- Informal Discussion: The worker discusses the issue with their supervisor or union representative.
- Formal Grievance: If unresolved, a formal written grievance is submitted.
- Meetings and Negotiations: Meetings occur between the union, employer, and affected parties.
- Arbitration (if necessary): If resolution isn’t reached, an independent arbitrator may decide the outcome.
- The grievance process typically involves several steps:
- Importance:
- Grievances play a crucial role in:
- Upholding workers’ rights.
- Ensuring fair treatment.
- Maintaining the terms of the collective agreement.
- Grievances play a crucial role in:
Remember, the grievance process aims to restore fairness and justice in the workplace, benefiting both workers and the organization.
Grievance Fact Sheet
This grievance fact sheet is designed to assist Stewards and local unions to keep a written record of what a grievance is about and what happens to it as it is processed through the various steps of the grievance procedure.
It is an important document and should be completed with care and accuracy. This document provides the union with a complete history of the case, including notes from the grievance meetings. It provides details about the grievance which may otherwise be overlooked or forgotten about. A copy of the completed fact sheet should be forwarded to the CUPE Representative once the grievance is referred to arbitration.
When the grievance is finalized, the completed fact sheet should be kept, along with the grievance form and Minutes of Settlement. These documents should be filed as per local union practices.
Download the Grievance Fact Sheet
Grievance Forms
CUPE grievance form | Canadian Union of Public Employees