Grievances

How to File a Grievance

Here is a brief, simple guide on how to file a Step 1 grievance and what you can expect:

Before You File a Grievance (A Mandatory First Step)

Before you can start the formal grievance process, you must first meet with your direct Supervisor to discuss your complaint or problem.

• Timing: This meeting must happen within 5 days of when the issue occurred or when you became aware of it.

• Get Support: You have the right to ask a Union representative (shop steward) to come with you to this meeting.

If this initial discussion with your supervisor doesn't resolve the problem, you can then proceed to Step 1.

Filing a Step 1 Grievance

1. Start the Process: After your meeting with the supervisor, the supervisor will set up a Step 1 meeting with the superintendent. This must be done no later than 5 days after your initial meeting. Your supervisor will give you a copy of the meeting request and will also forward copies to the union and the superintendent.
   
   

2. Fill Out the Form: You will need to state your grievance on a provided form. Be sure to clearly explain:
   
   

   • The nature of your grievance (what happened).

   • Which articles of the Collective Agreement you believe were violated.

   • The settlement you are seeking (what you want to happen to fix it).

3. Attend the Meeting: The superintendent will hold the Step 1 meeting within 5 days to discuss the matter.
   
   

   • Who will be there: You, one member of the Grievance Committee, and the superintendent. The superintendent may bring another company official, and the supervisor involved may also attend if requested. Your Grievance Committee member can also request that the Union Co-Chair attend.

4. Get a Decision: The superintendent will give you a signed and dated written reply within 5 days of receiving your formal grievance.
   
   

What Happens Next?

If you are not satisfied with the superintendent's decision at Step 1, the grievance can be submitted to Employee Relations, and at THE UNION HALL to file for a Step 2 and to schedule a meeting. 

The Grievance committee will assist you from this point forward (Vice President & Co-chairs)

This must be done within 5 days of the Step 1 decision. 

A settlement or withdrawal of a grievance at Step 1 does not set a precedent for future cases.