Writing Grievances

1. Limit details to basic information

Provide only enough information to identify the grievance so that management understands 1) what the basic problem is, 2) what violations have occurred, and 3) how the problem should be fixed (the remedy).

2. Omit union's arguments, evidence, & justification for position

This information could be used by management to prepare a better case against the Union

Instead of writing: "The grievant, John Doe, was suspended for smoking in the hallway when three other people who did the same thing in the past were not."       .

It would be better to write: "Management unjustly disciplined John Doe."

3. Don't limit contract violations

In stating WHY there is a grievance, use the phrase "violates the contract" and the words

Instead of writing: "Management's action violates Article VI, Section 4 and 5.'1'

It would be better to. write: ".. .in violation of the contract, including Article VI Sections 4 and 5." (you can always add more violations if found later)

4. Don't limit the remedy

If you limit the remedy: 1) You don't allow the Union room to bargain on the grievance. 2) You might limit the Union to something less than full compensation for the grievant by leaving out something you remember later. This can be accomplished by using the general phrase "made whole in every way" and the word "including" when referring to specific remedies.  For example:

Instead of writing: "The Union requests that John Doe be recalled to work with full back

It would be better to write: "The Union requests that John Doe be made whole m every way including immediate recall with full back pay for all lost wages."

5. Avoid personal remarks

The grievance states the Union's position, not your's (or the grievant's) opinion. Avoid the