⚖️ The Union Grievance System: Holding the Line

The Union Grievance System is one of the most powerful tools union members have to protect their rights and hold management accountable. It's how we ensure the company plays by the rules laid out in the Union Contract — and how workers can challenge unfair treatment without fear of retaliation.

🛠️ What Is a Grievance?

A grievance is a formal complaint submitted when:

• Management issues discipline in violation of the contract
  
  

• A non-union employee violates contract terms, especially around Right to Work protections
  
  

• Any part of the legally binding Union Contract is ignored or broken
  
  

Grievances can be submitted by the affected employee or by a coworker who witnesses a violation. Whether the issue is minor or major, the union will review it, investigate, and take action if warranted.

🆓 No Risk for Filing

You cannot be penalized for filing a grievance — even if it's ultimately found to be invalid.

This ensures that:

• Workers feel safe speaking up
  
  

• Concerns are heard and reviewed seriously
  
  

• The workplace remains fair and transparent
  
  

💸 Grievances Have Teeth

If a grievance is found valid, the grieving employee — or the most senior affected employee — is entitled to six hours of regular pay as compensation.

This not only recognizes the harm done but also serves as a financial disincentive for management or coworkers to break the rules.

🔄 A System That Works

Here's how the grievance process works:

1. Violation occurs (e.g., improper discipline, ignored seniority, Right to Work breach)
   
   

2. A grievance is filed through your Union Representative
   
   

3. The Union reviews the facts and determines if the grievance has merit
   
   

4. If valid, the Union fights to enforce it, holding management or others accountable
   
   

5. If successful, the affected employee may receive 6 hours of paid compensation
   
   

✊ Power Through Accountability

This system puts real power into the hands of workers. No longer can unfair decisions go unchallenged. The grievance system means:

• Management must follow the rules
  
  

• Non-union actors can’t ignore the contract
  
  

• You have real, enforceable protections — not just promises
  
  

✅ Summary

Without a Grievance System

-No recourse for unfair discipline

-Management answers only to itself

-Rule-breaking goes unchecked

With the Union Grievance System

-Formal challenge process backed by union

-Management held accountable by contract

-Violators risk financial penalties

The Union Grievance System is your check and balance.
It exists to protect you, enforce the contract, and ensure your voice is heard — with no risk (and real rewards) for standing up.