Grievance Management

A 1/2 day program targeting managers responsbile for labour relations. Learn how to effectively use and manage your grievance procedure to your advantage.

1. History and theory behind legislative framework: Includes discussion of why and how management rights came to be which will give perspective of CA. ie. if CA silent, and no applicable legislation or arising court decisions, it will likely fall under management’s rights.  This goes to onus of proof and how you should manage a grievance.
2. Labour Relations Code, Jurisdiction of Courts and Arbitrators, Duty of Fair Representation: Review BC Labour Relations Code online, Look at Duty to bargain in good faith, no strikes or lock-outs during life of CA (ties into work now grievance later), every CA needs to have a grievance procedure and just cause provision, and look at Duty of Fair Representation.  Discuss Duty of Fair Representation, how it can come back on an employer, and how to help your union manage it. Talk about powers of the arbitrators (Section 89) and the jurisdiction of the courts. Refer to a current decision.
3. Grievance Managment: What is a grievance refer to a current decision, types of grievances – talk about jurisdiction, expansion, and how to write grievance replies – refer to decision where arbitrator has no jurisdiction, grievance triggers, time limits – when arbitrators waive mandatory time limits – refer to decision to see test, grievance procedure steps, the most common gripes & grievances, when should the employer act? Grievance rules, basic rules, the best practices of grievance handling.