Frequently Asked Questions
08/05/2004 - How does the union work out problems with management?
Through the grievance procedure. The contract spells out what the grievance procedures are and explains how conflicts are to be resolved.
When management engages in unfair conduct or violates a a provision of the contract there are steps spelled out in the contract to resolve the problem. First, talk with your supervisor. When they refuse to do anything about it, go to your Teamster shop steward to get help. The steward sits down with you and management and tries to talk about the issue. If it can't be resolved at this meeting, a business agent from the union approaches the company to talk the issue over. If the problem still cannot be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the business agent appeals to upper management. If this step fails, both parties bring in a neutral arbitrator to hear evidence and order a final resolution of the problem.