EARLY INTERVENTION
The central purpose of the grievance procedure is to resolve problems as quickly as possible. It is vital to make every effort to resolve a grievance, in a manner that's consistent with the collective bargaining agreement, before it escalates to later stages, such as step two, step three, to arbitration or in some cases, where applicable, to a strike vote.
- Try to be aware of “pending” contract violations before they actually occur.
- Try to (where appropriate) advise management of the impending contract violation as soon as you are aware of the problem.
- Early intervention demonstrates that the steward knows the contract.
- Establishes the steward as a person who wants to avoid conflict just for the sake of conflict.
- Begins to change the attitude of some foremen because by taking the advice of the steward they avoid a formal grievance.
- Foremen may begin to see value in settling problems early to keep crews productive and happy.
- Foremen may be looked at by management as being more effective in solving problems.
- More importantly bargaining unit employees win by getting quick and appropriate relief.