A grievance is usually defined in each contract between a union and management. Generally, a grievance is defined as a breach or violation of the contract by the employer.
Types of Grievances
1. Contract violations. These are grievances that involve a violation of a specific part of the contract. They include such matters as seniority, hours or work, staffing, wages, vacation scheduling, and disciplinary action without just cause. Examples include:
* Disciplining an employee without just cause;
* Laying off an employee who should not be laid off because of his/her seniority;
* Wrongfully refusing to grant a vacation request.
2. Past Practice or Policy violations. No contract can cover every practice or policy on the job. A practice or policy that has been in place for an extended period of time and accepted by both parties either orally, in writing, or impliedly may be the basis for a grievance if it is violated.
3. Violations of the Law. Laws written to protect workers are deemed to be part of the contract, and failure to comply with municipal, state, or federal laws may therefore also be grounds for a grievance.
Washington Grievance Pursuant to a Union Contract refers to a formalized process within the state of Washington, United States, that allows employees who are members of a labor union to file a complaint or dispute against their employer for perceived violations or breaches of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A grievance is a complaint made by an employee or a group of employees. It can pertain to a wide range of issues such as unfair treatment, workplace safety violations, disciplinary actions, non-payment of wages, contract interpretation disputes, or any action that may be viewed as a violation of the negotiated rights and protections outlined in the CBA. The term "pursuant" indicates that the grievance is filed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the union contract. These procedures typically include specific steps that must be followed, such as notifying the employer, submitting a written complaint, attending meetings or hearings, and providing supporting evidence to substantiate the allegations made. In Washington state, there are different types of grievances that may be pursued pursuant to a union contract, depending on the nature of the issue: 1. Individual Grievance: This type of grievance is filed by an individual employee who believes their rights or benefits under the CBA have been violated. It may involve issues like wrongful termination, denial of promotions, changes in working conditions, or unfair treatment. 2. Group Grievance: A group grievance is filed by a group of employees who have collectively experienced a violation of their rights or interests under the CBA. It can address concerns related to job classification, working hours, wages, or any matter that impacts a group of employees as a whole. 3. Policy Grievance: Policy grievances are filed when the dispute involves an interpretation or violation of a policy or a provision of the CBA that affects all employees covered under the agreement. These grievances typically aim to challenge systemic issues or inconsistent application of policies rather than individual complaints. When filing a grievance pursuant to a union contract in Washington, it is important to adhere to the specific procedures set forth in the CBA. These procedures may include time limits for filing the grievance, the designated individuals or committees responsible for handling the grievance, and the subsequent steps to be followed, such as mediation or arbitration if the issue remains unresolved. By utilizing the Washington Grievance Pursuant to a Union Contract, employees in Washington state have a mechanism to seek resolution for workplace disputes and ensure that their rights and protections as outlined in the CBA are upheld.
