A grievance is a normal way of resolving misunderstandings and conflicts in a unionized setting. Your grievance process probably starts with an informal and then a formal process at your stage. It then goes up through different levels of management until it is sent to an outside arbitrator. Make sure you understand the process and your role in the grievance procedure. At each stage of the process your listening and probing skills are far more important than your speaking skills. There is often an underlying problem which employees have not been able to identify in their discussions with their union representatives. If you can identify the root problem, your chances of resolving the grievance quickly are greater.
If you are dealing with an obvious conflict over the interpretation of the collective agreement and you suspect the union will take the grievance to arbitration, be sure to consult your Human Resources
See the section on Resolving Complaints.
Return to Management Advice Page.
Return to Huntly Duff & Associates home page