This episode is hosted by Cole Billups, a shop steward in Asheboro, North Carolina, delves into the anatomy of a grievance file. The episode is aimed at new shop stewards and those considering the role. The episode begins with a breakdown of the different steps in the grievance process: Informal Step A, Formal Step A, Step B, and Arbitration. It emphasizes the time limits for each step and highlights the importance of documenting everything. Cole then dives into the process of investigating a grievance, emphasizing the importance of being methodical and using available resources like employee everything reports and online resources. He advises new stewards to be detail-oriented and to use interviews with carriers, management, and even customers to gather information. He discusses the importance of requesting information and time from management, always ensuring to obtain copies of signed requests and confirmations of time provided.
Next, Cole delves into the construction of a grievance file, emphasizing the need for clarity and conciseness. He recommends using a template for issue statements, facts, contentions, and remedies. The episode goes into detail about the importance of remedies, emphasizing the need to make them enforceable for the future. Cole advises shop stewards to aim for language that includes cease and desist clauses and escalated monetary awards for future violations. He concludes by offering a step-by-step guide on organizing a grievance file, highlighting the importance of including all relevant documents and contract language. The episode ends with a brief discussion about the informal Step A meeting and encourages new stewards to be effective in representing their members.
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