The OPSEU/SEFPO Grievance Form has been given a fresh update for the first time in decades. The changes are subtle but important to polish up this tool to enforce the rights workers have fought for and won in their contracts and legislation. The revised form is cleaner and more streamlined, to eliminate duplication and unnecessary details, and focus on what the Local officers and staff need to take the grievance through the technical steps of the process. The form now also includes crucial modern contact information through email addresses and respect for privacy by asking about voicemail authorization.
The Guidelines that come with the Grievance Form are also new and improved to provide clearer guidance on what belongs in the form, how a grievance is filed and how it is referred to arbitration.
Finally, a new Inventory for Building a Strong Grievance has replaced the collection of grievance checklists that have been used inconsistently and unevenly by members and staff for decades. The checklists helped some Members organize their materials but to many seemed like an extra step or barrier to moving forward on a grievance. The new Inventory will help the Grievor, the Local representatives, and staff representatives meaningfully guide and prepare the grievance on an individualized basis, including steps in analysis and preserving documentation. It is organized as ten key elements for building a strong case to empower members from the initial stages of a grievance up to mediation and arbitration where necessary.
Assistance in filling out your Grievance Form is always available from your local steward and your local president. If you need a version of the Grievance Form in a .docx format, send us an email at [email protected] and we will ensure you receive one.
You can review the new Grievance Form, Guidelines and Inventory here.