Question

Suppose it is management's goal to reduce the number of employee grievances being filed in a unionized organization. Describe three things the human resource office can do to help meet this goal.

Answer 1

1. Initiate the grievance procedure

By law, every company should have a formal, written grievance procedure. This written procedure should tell employees whom to contact if they have an issue and should set out the steps of the process and the time limits for each stage.

In many instances, the first step of the procedure may involve an informal discussion to see if the issue can be easily solved. If it can’t, the employee will need to initiate the formal process by submitting a grievance in writing.

2. Investigate the grievance

While not always necessary, you may need to take some time to investigate the complaint. In particular, if the issue involves other members of staff, they will need to be notified and given a chance to explain their positions or to give their own evidence. Once you’ve completed your investigations, you can arrange a grievance hearing. You’ll need to inform all relevant parties, so that they can make their own preparations.

3. Hold a grievance hearing

The next key action is to hold the formal meeting where the employee will set out their grievance and provide any evidence to back up their case. All parties should attend this grievance hearing. Employees have the right to bring along a colleague or union representative. The employee should also be invited to explain how they would like their issue to be resolved and what outcome they are seeking. You should arrange for formal notes to be taken at this meeting, which you can then circulate to all parties afterwards.

4. Make your decision and inform the employee

After the meeting, you will make your decision. You may decide to uphold the staff member’s grievance in full or in part, or you may reject it. If you uphold it, or parts of it, you need to identify the action that will be taken. Write to the employee, telling them what your decision is. Explain the reasons for your decision and advise them what actions you will take and what actions they should take.