Labor Grievance Processing Webinar Series

300 Minutes

The effective presentation of a grievance in arbitration often depends upon the work done earlier in the grievance process.  Most contracts specify how the grievance is to be initiated and the steps to complete the procedures.  The grievance procedure provides a structure for presenting and settling workplace disputes.  This webinar series will provide skills and techniques on how to handle the grievance process   The faculty of experienced arbitrators, and union and management attorneys will provide participants with practical skills, different perspectives and information on how to constructively use the grievance process to resolve disputes and will provide details regarding contract interpretation.  

This webinar series consists of three presentations covering the following components on the process.  

1.  Contract Administration In this presentation, participants will learn from an experienced faculty about the important information and the essential facts needed to understand and administer the contract.  The faculty focuses on the following topics: 

• Contract Interpretation:  An Overview Problems in Contract Interpretation
• The Theory of Management Reserved Rights
• Management Rights Clauses
• Determining Past Practice
• An Analysis of a Grievance
• Bargaining Unit Perspectives and the Art of Interpreting the Contract

Some of the questions addressed by the faculty are:

• What are the reasons for ambiguous contract language?
• What are the perspectives from Union and Management on the theory of management reserved rights?
• What are the guidelines for custom and past practice?  
• What are the general rules of interpretation applied by Arbitrators?

2.  Elements of the Grievance Procedure In this presentation, participants will learn from experienced faculty about the intricate details that define the grievance procedures.  

The faculty focuses on the following topics:

• Defining a Grievance Assessment of Grievances
• Drafting Your Grievance
• Contents of a Grievance
• Answering a Grievance
• Filing your Grievance

Some of the questions addressed by the faculty are:  

• What are the elements needed to define and draft a grievance?  
• When assessing a grievance, what should be considered?  
• What should the answer to the grievance include?  
• What should be considered when you file your grievance?  

3.  Processing a Grievance In this presentation, participants will learn from our experienced faculty about guidelines and best practices when processing their next grievance.  

The AAA does not offer CLE in any jurisdiction for our on-demand programs, but you may be able to use a copy of the certificate available at the conclusion of the course to submit for CLE credit on your own (we recommend that you confirm availability of CLE in your jurisdiction for this type of course).