What is the grievance procedure?

The grievance procedure is a negotiated article within your collective bargaining agreement that enables the union to enforce the terms of the contract and protect the rights of workers. If management violates the contract, the grievance procedure allows the member to follow a process that can provide relief or justice.

Each grievance procedure has specific steps with time limits that must be followed. The steps in a grievance procedure vary, but a typical one may include:

Step One: The union shall present a grievance to a member of management designated by the employer in accordance with the time limits set forth in the contract. (Typically, non-monetary grievances have a 10-day time limit and monetary grievances have a 30-day time limit.)

Step Two: In failing to have the dispute in Step One, a representative of the union will meet with the designated representative of the employer at a mutally convenient time and place to resolve the grievance.

Step Three: If still unresolved, the grievance may heard by an arbitrator or panel who will render a final and binding decision.

Please refer to your contract to find specific information about your bargaining unit’s grievance procedure. Can’t find your contract? Request a copy here.

How to file a grievance

Almost every Teamster contract has a provision for filing grievances. Generally, if you feel that management has violated the terms of your collective bargaining agreement, you should talk to your business representative, who will determine if there is indeed a contract violation.

Your business representative will first try to help you resolve the issue informally. This may include speaking with your supervisor. If the business representative has determined that there is a violation of the contract but is unable to resolve the issue, then he or she will file a grievance form on your behalf. The form asks for information such as:

Who is involved in the grievance (supervisor and members)?

When did the grievance occur?

Where did the grievance occur?

What part of the contract was violated?

What resolution is desired?

For example, a contract may specify that overtime has to be distributed by seniority. If overtime is given to an employee with less seniority than others, the members with greater seniority may have a grievance.

If you have any questions, contact your Teamsters Local 727 business representative at (847) 696-7500.