HOW TO FILE A GRIEVANCE

 Under our contract, a grievance is a difference, complaint, or dispute between the Union (or an employee) and the City arising out of the circumstances or conditions of employment. In plain terms: a claim that the City has violated the contract or your rights at work. 

 A grievance should identify the alleged violation, the approximate date, time, and place, the contract section(s) involved, who is affected, and the facts giving rise to it. 

 Two things are handled outside this procedure:
- Matters that are strictly management rights (unless the contract specifically limits them).
- Suspensions of more than 30 days and discharges — these follow a separate disciplinary track, not the steps below. 

 Our contract states that time limits are "of the essence" — a grievance filed late generally can't be heard at all, and deadlines can only be extended by written agreement of both parties. Don't wait. Talk to a steward as soon as you become aware of an issue. 

 Before a formal grievance, you and/or the Union may discuss the matter with your immediate supervisor. A steward may be present. If that doesn't resolve, a steward will help you navigate the steps below.  
 

 Step I — File in writing
- You and/or the Union raise the grievance in writing within 15 calendar days of learning of the event that caused it.
- Your immediate supervisor responds in writing within 5 calendar days.

Step II — Appeal to the Department Head's designee
- If not settled, appeal in writing to the Department Head's designee (a senior supervisor) within 10 calendar days of the Step I decision (or the date it was due).
- The designee responds in writing, with a copy to the Union, within 7 calendar days of receiving the appeal.

Step III — Appeal to the Department Head
- If still not settled, appeal in writing to the Department Head within 10 calendar days of receiving the Step II decision.
- Department-level meetings to resolve pending grievances are held at least every 30 calendar days. A written resolution or denial follows within 7 calendar days of the meeting.
- To move an arbitrable dispute forward, the Union must request arbitration in writing within 30 calendar days of receiving the Step III decision.

Step IV — Arbitration
- Unresolved arbitrable grievances go to a neutral arbitrator whose decision is final and binding.
- Only the Union or the Employer — not an individual employee — can advance a grievance to arbitration. 

 - Write everything down — dates, times, what was said, who was present.
- Keep copies of relevant emails, schedules, and documents.
- Don't sign anything you don't understand without talking to a steward.
- Act quickly — the 15-day Step I clock starts when you learn of the event.
 

 Not sure who your steward is? Contact us at chiefstew2912chi@yahoo.com