Discipline & Grievance Deadlines

 

 

Based on Article 1 (Just Cause) and Article 24 (Grievance & Arbitration) of the 2024–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement

 

 

 

 

Discipline

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Can I be disciplined for any reason?

 

 

Answer:

 

No. Discipline or discharge must be for “just cause.”

 

Just cause generally means:

 

• The rule was reasonable.

• You knew or should have known the rule.

• The investigation was fair.

• Discipline is applied consistently.

• The penalty fits the offense.

 

 

Refer to Article 1 for full language.

 

 

 

 

Q: Are probationary employees covered by the grievance procedure?

 

 

Answer:

 

No. Temporary, seasonal, and probationary employees who are suspended or discharged are not subject to the grievance and arbitration procedure.

 

 

 

 

Q: What is considered a grievance?

 

 

Answer:

 

A grievance is any dispute involving the interpretation or application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 

 

 

 

Grievance Procedure – Step by Step

 

 

 

 

 

Q: How long do I have to file a grievance?

 

 

Answer:

 

A grievance must be filed in writing within ten (10) calendar days of:

 

• The occurrence of the issue, or

• The date the employee became aware of the issue.

 

 

Failure to file within this timeframe may result in the grievance being denied.

 

 

 

 

Step 1

 

 

• File grievance in writing within 10 calendar days.

• Division Manager must respond within 10 calendar days.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2

 

 

If not resolved at Step 1:

 

• The Union must appeal within 10 calendar days of the Step 1 response.

• A meeting is held with the Regional Division Manager.

• The Regional Division Manager must respond within 10 calendar days after the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What happens if management misses a deadline?

 

 

Answer:

 

If management fails to respond within the required timeframe, the grievance may be considered resolved in favor of the employee, unless both parties mutually agree to extend the deadline.

 

 

 

 

Q: What happens if the Union misses a deadline?

 

 

Answer:

 

Failure to meet a grievance deadline may result in the grievance being considered withdrawn or denied.

 

Deadlines are strict.

 

 

 

 

Arbitration

 

 

 

 

 

Q: When does a grievance go to arbitration?

 

 

Answer:

 

If unresolved at Step 2, the Union must notify the Employer of its intent to arbitrate within twenty (20) calendar days of the Step 2 response.

 

 

 

 

Q: What can the arbitrator do?

 

 

Answer:

 

The arbitrator:

 

• May not modify, add to, or subtract from the Agreement.

• Must decide strictly based on the contract language.

• Issues a decision that is final and binding.

 

 

Arbitration costs are shared between the parties.

 

 

 

 

Important Procedural Rules

 

 

 

 

 

Q: Are deadlines based on business days or calendar days?

 

 

Answer:

 

Deadlines are based on calendar days unless otherwise specified.

 

 

 

 

Q: Can grievance timelines be extended?

 

 

Answer:

 

Yes, but only by mutual agreement between the parties.

 

 

 

 

Key Reminders

 

 

• Discipline must be for just cause.

• Grievances must be filed within 10 calendar days.

• Appeals must also follow 10-day deadlines.

• Arbitration notice must be filed within 20 days after Step 2 response.

• Missed deadlines can automatically decide a case.

 

 

Refer to Article 24 for full procedural language.