Labor Relations

Chapter 14

1) What are the steps in the grievance procedure?

2) Method of dispute resolution?

Answer

Step 1: This step varies considerably across companies. In some, an employee who believes company has violated the contract makes complain to union steward who might accept and assist in writing a grievance. The steward presents the grievance to the grievant’s supervisor to answer and adjust it. Step 1 is the step where most grievances are settled for some companies because company won’t delegate power to supervisors as their decisions can be establish precedents for future grievance settlements. Supervisors always deny grievance at this step. Some other companies have oral grievance presented directly to supervisors and being negotiated immediately. Supervisory style affects grievance rates and their disposition. Presenting grievance in an informal oral manner may allow supervisors and stewards greater latitude for reaching a quick solution before a written record is established. Several levels of activity may lead to filing grievance. Stewards may act on complaints from members if the supervisor had little knowledge of the contract and the steward’s commitment to the education, employer and training. Stewards are generally more satisfied in their grievance processing roles if the procedure permits oral grievances and if some grievance committee screening takes place. Basically, step 1 occurs when the employee and the department steward, if the employee desires, shall take the matter up with his or her supervisor. If no settlement is reached in this step within two working days, the grievance shall be reduced to writing on the form provided.

Step 2: Many grievance are normally settled at the first step. If being denied, the steward presents the grievance to a plant industrial relations (IR) representative. Both are familiar with the contract and aware how previous grievances been settled. In routine cases, the company allows the IR representative to apply and...