Grievance Reminder: The Timeline!

Every year, we hear a concern come up that is several weeks, even months, old. For example, a member applies for a job posting, doesn’t get the position, and after thinking about it for a month, decides to inquire to see if there is anything to be done.

But every collective agreement (in the section called Grievance Procedure) describes how many days the union has to file a grievance after the incident occurs. This timeline might be 5, 7, 10, or 14 days.

If the incident is ongoing, the timeline becomes less important. But for the person who thinks the employer gave the position to the wrong person, the timeline will matter, and the employer will likely deny a grievance because after a month, they won’t want to change their mind and don’t have to.

You should still reach out to your representative just to be sure. But remember, sitting on your concern makes it more likely we won’t be able to address it through the grievance process.