Grievances

Existence of our union has helped create a more level playing field for faculty and also given faculty who are not being treated fairly a mechanism to enforce their rights.

What is a Grievance?

A grievance is an allegation that there has been a breach to our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Grievances are situations in which an employee, a faculty member in our case, perceives that he or she has in some way been treated unfairly. Our collective bargaining agreement with management affords us many protections against poor administrative decision-making, retaliation and overwork.

• From workload to working conditions
• From fair compensation to promotion/tenure
• From leaves of absence to progressive sanctions

Grievant Rights

A grievant has the right of self-representation at any step in the grievance procedure and/or may choose to be accompanied by the Union’s designated official. If requested by the grievant, AAP has the right to be present at, and to participate in, any step in the grievance procedure but shall not interfere with the right of self-representation.

The Grievance Procedure

Initially, grievances are brought forward through either informal or formal procedures. The grievance form can be found on page 64 of our CBA. An informal procedure is when the grievant presents the grievance to the administrator most directly concerned in an attempt to resolve the grievance.

If informal meetings with management fail to resolve the issue, the three stage formal process is initiated.

• Stage 1: Dean
• Stage 2: Provost
• Stage 3: The President

If the issue is not resolved by Stage 3 with the President, then the union can request binding arbitration. In this process, both parties agree to place the decision in the hands of an arbitrator. The arbitrator then listens to both sides of the story and decides who is in the right.

If you think you have a grievance, please do not hesitate to contact Joe Corsini or one of our stewards.