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The Labor Grievance Process Essay

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If you are like the majority of managers operating within labor contracts then you can relate to the frustration that accompanies the labor grievance process. For the most part, grievance policies are set to be mediating faucets that allow for a clarification or even a compromise between employer and employees. Yet, what takes place absent a clear understanding of the true purpose of the grievance process may be a whirlwind that brings about much aggravation and frustration between both parties. What follows are three effective methods in ensuring that your company’s approach in dealing with grievances is not distorted or manipulated.

When an employer is approached and informed of a grievance filing the first step should be to …show more content…

Do not respond within the first 48 business hours. It is important to convey to the employee that his/her grievance was sufficiently reviewed.

In the event, the employee wishes to do to the next step, acknowledge their notice and return to displaying a professional demeanor that does not include any conversation on the grievance. Let the process run its course.

Know When to Begin Your Investigation:

Another area that sometimes results in disruption of the grievance process is the managerial investigation. While there may be a need for management to conduct a thorough review, outwardly investigating may send an invitation to start a power struggle.

One of the most crucial mistakes a manager can make is to involve other employees in the process. Grievance are complicated enough, do not add unnecessary parties to the process. If a manager would like to take any action at the first grievance step, the following are suggested:

Retrieve any records that relate to the grievance. In the scenario above, Carol’s time card should be copied and made available for review. Some managers would gather all Carol’s time records to potentially show a pattern. This is not suggested, as to do so would most likely ignite allegations of “singling out” or “retaliation”; stick to the situation at

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