What is the first step in a grievance procedure?
There are no individual grievance processes, only group / uniopn
procedures negotiated into contracts.
Usually begins with employee objecting that an order violates
the contract.
The employee must comply with the order even if likely
prohibited by contract.
The employee may have the contractual right to demand to consult
with a steward or other union official immediately.
If the employee complains to the union, it investigates to
determine ewhether the offense actually happened and the
surrounding circumstances.
The union may have a contractual right to discuss the
allegations with the employer to resolve dis[putes short of
grieving.
If the union confirms an offense happened and the employer will
not settle, the union files a grievance before the deadline.
The employer responds to the grievance before its deadline.
If the dispute is not resolved, iot may for to higher management
and a high union official, or straight to arbitration.
Some processes include mediation, either mandatory or
optional.