Handling Grievances professionally
As a Shop Steward, be thorough and timely
A thorough, timely investigation defines professional grievance handling
Take your time and do a complete investigation, following the check list below. You may be dealing with twenty or more items, so pay attention to detail and take all the time you legitimately need.
You also want to be timely. Don't let the problem drag on. Members deserve excellent service from their Union, and you are fully capable of delivering excellence.
To help matters, you have Shop Steward Rights. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with those rights – and at the same time, make note of mistakes you can easily avoid.
Grievance Checklist
- Details of alleged violation
- Who? What? When? Where? Why?
- What specific contract provisions were violated?
- Are there relevant local practices that support the member?
- Are there system practices?
- Are there previous grievance decisions that set a precedent in support of the member?
- Have there been any previous negotiations?
- What is the input from local and/or district officials?
Investigation Checklist
- Date, time, location of incident
- Description of incident
(Was there a fight, drinking, theft, non-sexual harassment, aircraft/equipment/property damage, personal/other injury, etc. NOTE: In cases involving sexual harassment, involve a company official immediately). - Who was involved?
- Witness (Union & Company)?
- First reported by? When? To whom?
- Written report? Oral report? When?
- Classification(s) of individual(s) involved?
- Other departments involved, if any?
- Prior disciplinary record(s), if any?
- Employee(s) removed from service and/or taken to medical facility?
- Rule violation(s) alleged to be involved, if any?
- Investigator(s) (Union, Company, other)?
contact district 141 education and training
Kris Hannah
District 141 Education Director
Cell 651.387.6753
Fax 952.854.9586
khannah@iam141.org