HANDLE A GRIEVANCE
How do academic workers defend and expand the rights we win during contract bargaining? In many cases, we do it through the grievance process.
As unionized workers, we have the right to deal with our employer as equals. Our contracts let us put that right into practice to remedy injuries we suffer at work. We do this by through the grievance process, which can include anything from informal meetings with department administration to formal meetings with the University’s Labor Relations department. Experienced union representatives are involved at every step.
No other process for resolving disputes gives workers more agency. If you think you might have suffered a violation of your rights, you can fill out this form:
Workers often file grievances over:
Wages and tuition/fee remission: late or incorrect pay, non-payment of top-ups/supplemental wages, incorrect step placement, not receiving AR merit reviews/raises
Abusive conduct: bullying, harassment, discrimination, retaliation
Health and safety issues: physically unsafe campus work environments, violence or threats of violence on campus
Appointment issues: arbitrary underappointments, job loss, not receiving proper postdoc appointment length
Access needs: being denied an appropriate accommodation for your disability
Parent rights: difficulties accessing paid parental leave or childcare benefits
International scholar rights: inadequate support during visa applications, lack of NRST remission
Workload: being asked to work over your hour limit for the week or quarter, or being asked to work on a project outside your job description
Misclassification: Tutors being asked to perform TA work without appropriate compensation, ARs having years of experience ignored when salaries are calculated, GSRs not receiving wage increases or benefits